Iran opens public mourning for Ayatollah Khamenei, killed in Israeli airstrike four months ago
More than four months after his death in an Israeli airstrike, Iran has begun public funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with millions expected to attend.
Ceremonies begin in Tehran
Public mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei started at the Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, where his coffin was displayed. State television showed crowds gathering since dawn. The body will remain in the capital for three days before being moved to the holy city of Qom and then to Iraq for further rites. Burial is scheduled for Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad.
- Khamenei killed in Israeli airstrike on his Tehran office
- Son Mojtaba appointed new supreme leader
- Ceasefire begins after five-week US-Israeli war on Iran
- Public mourning ceremonies start in Tehran
- Burial scheduled in Mashhad
Security lockdown and warnings
Authorities are bracing for millions of mourners. More than 65,000 security personnel will be deployed in major cities, with another 200,000 in the provinces, according to state news agency Irna. Iran will close its airspace from Monday for several days. The Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning against any military escalation.
Any miscalculation will be met with a decisive and even harsher response than ever before, one that will forever be recorded in their history of shame.
- Major cities
- 65000 personnel
- Provinces
- 200000 personnel
Divided public sentiment
While the state prepares for mass participation, many Iranians view the ceremonies with indifference or rejection. Earlier this year, thousands of protesters were killed during demonstrations against the regime's authoritarian course and the severe economic crisis. Those protests had challenged Khamenei's rule, with crowds chanting "Death to the dictator."
Khamenei's harsh rule
As supreme leader, Khamenei held ultimate authority over all state matters, with the president and government subordinate to him. He was also the highest religious authority of the Islamic Republic. Under his leadership, the Revolutionary Guards became the dominant military force and expanded Iran's regional influence, though the country was significantly weakened in recent years. He tolerated no criticism and ruled with absolute harshness.
Succession clouded by uncertainty
Khamenei's son Mojtaba was named the new supreme leader a week after his father's death in early March but has not appeared publicly since. State television referred to him as "war-disabled" without providing details, fueling speculation about severe injuries. It remains unclear whether he will attend the burial in Mashhad.
