Iran begins six-day funeral for Ali Khamenei as millions gather in Tehran on US Independence Day
Massive crowds filled Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex on Saturday for the start of funeral rites for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in a US-Israeli strike in February. The ceremonies, coinciding with America's 250th Independence Day, are framed by authorities as a show of force.
A six-day funeral procession
State television showed the coffin of Ali Khamenei, draped in a red flag inscribed with "Ya Hussein," placed on a platform decorated with red tulips inside the Grand Mosalla prayer hall. The remains will lie in state until Monday, when a large procession will move through Tehran. On Tuesday the coffin travels to the clerical centre of Qom, then on Wednesday to the Shia holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala in Iraq. Burial is scheduled for Thursday 9 July in Mashhad, near the shrine of Imam Reza.
- Coffin displayed to officials and foreign dignitaries at Grand Mosalla
- Public ceremonies begin; coffin lies in state until Monday
- Large procession through Tehran streets
- Coffin arrives in Qom, Iran's clerical centre
- Procession through Shia holy cities Najaf and Kerbala in Iraq
- Burial in Mashhad, near the shrine of Imam Reza
Chants of revenge on US Independence Day
Thousands of mourners, many dressed in black and carrying red flags symbolising martyrdom and revenge, chanted slogans throughout the morning. The crowd shouted "Death to America" and "revenge, revenge" as the ceremonies opened on 4 July, the 250th anniversary of US independence. Some participants walked several kilometres to reach the site.
We want to say a final goodbye to our leader.
Security and foreign dignitaries
Tehran has been turned into a fortress, with roads blocked since Friday, heavy police and military deployments, and Basij militia patrolling on motorcycles. Iranian airspace will be closed for the duration. Authorities expect between 15 and 20 million people in Tehran alone over the next three days. More than 400 Red Crescent tents have been set up in a capital park, and hotels are offering 50% discounts to accommodate pilgrims. Among foreign officials attending are former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev, Chinese vice-chairman He Wei, Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Iraqi president Nizar Amedi.
On behalf of the leadership and people of the Russian Federation, I express my deepest condolences on the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The absent successor
Mojtaba Khamenei, named supreme leader a week after his father's assassination, has not appeared in public since being wounded in the same attack. His presence at the funeral was not confirmed. He communicates only through written statements. Analysts are watching for any sign of him during the ceremonies.
A show of force amid negotiations
The funeral, originally planned for March but postponed by the war, is being staged as a demonstration of strength "in front of the enemies" of the Islamic Republic, according to AFP. It comes six months after large protests over price rises and government power, and as diplomatic talks continue following a framework agreement signed last month aimed at ending the conflict. Revolutionary Guards chief Ahmad Vahidi made his first public appearance since the war began, paying respects at the coffin on Friday.
