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Iran has already begun its funeral rites of its previous Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Thousands of mourners gathered in the capital city of Tehran to bid farewell to the deceased supreme leader and his family members.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral rites have commenced in Tehran, drawing millions of mourners and officials, honoring family members lost in February events, with services extending through Iraq to Mashhad by July 9.
The ceremony attracted many mourners. The crowd carried red flags, chanted slogans in honor of the deceased and his family members who were all killed in the attack of US and Israeli strikes on February 28.
Thousands Gathered at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran
The funeral started at the Grand Mosalla of Tehran. The body of the deceased supreme leader covered by the Iranian national flag and with a black turban placed over it was taken out to the public.
Authorities estimate that 15 to 20 million people will attend the funeral services in Tehran.
After opening the gates, thousands entered into the prayer hall.
Un cadre du cercueil de la martyre Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, #petite-fille du Guide suprême martyr de la Révolution islamique, à la Mosalla de #Téhéran.#بدرقه_آقای_شهید_ایران#باید_برخاست#NousDevonsNousSoulever#MartyrKhamenei pic.twitter.com/8JemW4zW4A
— Iran en France (@IRANinFRANCE) July 3, 2026
Granddaughter’s Coffin Draws Attention
Along with Khamenei’s body lay the coffins of some members of his family, who were also killed in the protests that happened in February.
These included the tiny coffin of his 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, which was placed near the body of her grandfather. A picture frame containing the picture of the little girl was also put on display during the ceremony, making it one of the most touching moments of the funeral.
Mourners Raise ‘Death to America’ Slogans
Huge crowds gathered in the prayer place holding red banners, which have been used before to express the desire for revenge in Iran.
As stated in some reports, people shouted slogans like “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “Revenge, Revenge” throughout the mourning process.
The crowd could be seen holding flags and pictures of Khamenei while praying.
One mourner was quoted in the Associated Press saying, “I am here to bid farewell to my dear leader Ali Khamenei. Never did I think that I will experience such days.”
Several Iranian High-ranking Officials Pay Respect
Some high ranking Iranian officials participated in the funeral ceremony.
They included Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the parliament who was seen to be quite emotional during the mourning.
Some other high-ranking officials included Ahmad Vahidi who has been appointed the commander of the Revolutionary Guard after the death of his predecessor in the same riots.
India Represented at the Funeral
An official Indian delegation was also present at the state funeral.
The Indian delegation is led by Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who is the Governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margherita, the Minister of State for External Affairs, who paid respects along with other foreign dignitaries to pay their homage to Khamenei.
Funeral Services to Spread Over Iran and Iraq
The funerals will be held over a period of several days to come.
Khamenei’s body will stay in Tehran until Monday when it will be taken out in public procession.
This will be followed by a trip to Qom, which will be followed by visits to holy cities of Iraq and the last resting place of Khamenei in Mashhad on July 9.
