Massive Gatherings in Tehran Mark First Day of Ayatollah Khamenei's Funeral Procession

Large crowds of mourners have gathered outside Tehran's main mosque on July 4, 2026, to honor the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His body is lying in state at the Grand Mosalla, where millions are expected to participate in the six-day funeral commemorations following his death in US and Israeli strikes.

Funeral Procession Details

Authorities estimate that between 15-20 million people will attend the ceremonies across Iran and Iraq. The funeral procession is significant, occurring more than four months after Khamenei's assassination in late February. The ceremonies will culminate in his burial in his hometown of Mashhad next Thursday.

The atmosphere in Tehran is charged, with many attendees chanting slogans against the US and expressing their desire for revenge. “We came [to the funeral] because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end,” said Reza, a 37-year-old professor in the Grand Mosalla's courtyard. Another mourner, Arash Rahimi, 40, stated, “Everyone here has come to avenge the blood of their supreme leader.”

Timeline of Events

Khamenei's body will remain at the Grand Mosalla for three days, during which time several events are planned. Following this, the body will be moved to Qom for funeral prayers led by a senior Shia cleric at the Jamkaran mosque, a significant religious site. The procession will continue to Najaf in Iraq, with ceremonies at the shrine of Imam Ali, and then to Karbala before returning to Iran.

On Thursday, Khamenei will be laid to rest at the Imam Reza Shrine, an important pilgrimage site in Mashhad. Events commemorating his life and leadership will extend for 40 days beyond the funeral, with ceremonies planned until the first anniversary of his burial.

Speculation Surrounding Succession

A key question surrounding the funeral is whether Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's son and successor, will appear publicly. He has not been seen since assuming the role, raising concerns about his health and the implications for Iran's leadership.

As the funeral unfolds, much of central Tehran will experience lockdowns to manage the anticipated crowds. This event is expected to be the largest funeral in Iran's history in relation to the country's population.