Iran begins six-day state funeral for Ali Khamenei
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Sat, 07/04/2026 - 14:39
Millions are expected to attend funeral ceremonies in Tehran as world leaders arrive, and attention turns to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei
Mourners gather at the Grand Mosalla to pay their final respects to Iran's assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on 4 July 2026 (Atta Kenare/AFP)
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Massive crowds of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Saturday as the country began six days of funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, more than four months after he was killed on the opening day of the US-Israel war on Iran.
His coffin, draped beneath his black turban, was placed at the Grand Mosalla in the capital.
Mourners, many dressed in black, began arriving before dawn.
State television announced the start of the official national funeral shortly after 6am local time.
Many people carried red flags bearing the word "Martyr".
Chants of "Death to America", "Death to Israel", and "Revenge, revenge" echoed through the crowds.
Authorities said they expected between 15 and 20 million people to attend the ceremonies in Tehran alone.
The funeral will continue for six days, including events in Iraq, before Khamenei is buried in the northeastern city of Mashhad.
Dignitaries from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the funeral.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader and dominant political figure for decades
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Among them are Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who played a key role in mediating talks with the United States during the war.
Senior officials from Russia, China, India and Afghanistan are also expected to attend.
All eyes are on whether Mojtaba Khamenei will make his first public appearance since the war began.
Injured during the war, he succeeded his father as supreme leader in March and has appeared only through written statements.
For many Iranians, Ali Khamenei was the only supreme leader they had ever known. He took over from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after serving as president during the Iran-Iraq War.
His nearly four decades as supreme leader were marked by hostility with the United States.
Officials have called for a mass turnout to honour Khamenei, who was killed aged 86.
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