ByREUTERS

JULY 3, 2026 16:04

The remains of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rested in state inside a large hall in Tehran on Friday, where clerics, government officials, foreign guests and mourners gathered to honor the late Supreme Leader slain by US and Israeli strikes.

Iran has arranged a week of extensive funeral processions for Khamenei, whose long tenure concluded in February with the opening airstrike of the war, highlighting public loyalty to the Islamic Republic and its revolutionary principles.

The body was set to travel to Qom, Najaf and Kerbala, key Shi'ite sites in Iran and Iraq, ahead of burial on Thursday in Mashhad at the nation's most sacred shrine.

Critical moment for Islamic Republic

His coffin was revealed late Thursday to crowds of weeping supporters who swayed and struck their heads to a mournful chant while flowers were scattered from the platform. On Friday the coffin, along with those of relatives killed alongside him, was placed in the main prayer hall dedicated to his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The ceremonies occur at a pivotal time for Iran, where clerical authorities and the Revolutionary Guard feel strengthened after enduring what they viewed as a life-threatening conflict with their chief adversaries.

Yet nearly five decades after the 1979 revolution, and despite official calls for unity ahead of the funeral, the Islamic Republic faces deep internal divisions.

Analysts note that backing for the clerical leadership remains limited, and the new Supreme Leader, Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in public since suffering injuries in the attack that killed his father.

Prolonged sanctions have stalled economic growth while repeated waves of nationwide protests have been suppressed more harshly, resulting in thousands of deaths in January.

These issues were set aside this week as officials staged a show of strength and widespread backing, aiming to draw millions to the funeral events.

Tehran roads were secured with military and police vehicles along main routes, while officers and black-shirted Basij volunteers patrolled on motorcycles. Iran cautioned the United States and Israel against strikes during the observances.

Once the coffins reached the site on Friday, carried aloft by the crowd, they were positioned on a white stepped platform in the prayer hall before an ornate arched alcove, surrounded by national and black mourning flags.

A black turban, signifying clerical descent from the Prophet Mohammed, rested on the coffin atop a folded checkered scarf, representing revolutionary commitment and support for Palestinians.

Delegates from Russia and China were due to attend. Senior figures from Iraq, Armenia and Pakistan traveled to Tehran for the events.

Relatives of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and commander Imad Mughniyeh, Lebanese allies slain in Israeli strikes, joined the ceremony.

Iranian political figures including the president, parliament speaker and foreign minister entered to offer prayers and tears on Friday morning, while generals stood saluting before the coffin.

Sobbing crowds, funeral tour of Iran and Iraq

In Iran's theocratic structure, Khamenei served as head of state and revolutionary guide, acting as earthly representative for Shi'ite Islam's 12th imam who vanished in the ninth century.

His death in an enemy attack aligns with Shi'ite traditions of martyrdom and mourning, featuring processions where participants strike their chests or backs.

This symbolism appeared in black funeral flags across city streets since his death, evoking the seventh-century martyrdom of Shi'ism's third imam, Hossein.

In central Tehran overnight, crowds wept and chanted under Basij guidance while others distributed posters of the late leader.

"Only through avenging his blood and seeking justice can this public grief be eased," said Mobina Razaaghi, an 18-year-old student from Isfahan attending with classmates.

Also killed and displayed in adjacent coffins were his daughter, son-in-law and infant granddaughter, plus the wife of his son Mojtaba.

Burial postponed due to war

Islamic tradition calls for burial within a day of death, yet the dangers of a large gathering during the war led to a delay until after last month's truce agreement.

Hotels provide 50 percent discounts, while schools, mosques and sports halls accommodate mourners and transport networks are rerouted for the main events.

Following a large procession in central Tehran on Monday, the remains will move to Qom for Tuesday ceremonies.

Events will follow in Iraq's shrine cities of Najaf and Kerbala on Wednesday with attendees from Iran's network of Shi'ite allies.

Burial is scheduled for Thursday after another procession in Mashhad near the tomb of Imam Reza.