On June 30, 2026, workers in Tehran fast-tracked preparations for the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Large banners and portraits of the late leader, who died during a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, were prominently displayed at the Grand Mosalla. The public ceremony is scheduled for July 4, occurring during a delicate ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
Khamenei, 86, was killed at his residence on the opening day of the conflict. His remains will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla, a major center for religious events in central Tehran, where officials anticipate a massive turnout of up to 20 million people. The event is slated to become the largest state funeral in Iranian history.
Security measures are tight, with heavy police presence and ongoing construction at the site. Authorities are encouraging the use of public transit and advising attendees to remain hydrated amid high heat forecasts. Numerous roads have already been closed to facilitate logistics. Public and private sector offices in Tehran will remain closed from Saturday to Monday to accommodate the proceedings.
International involvement is significant, with delegates from approximately 30 nations expected to attend a specialized event for foreign leaders on Friday. Following the Tehran services, the late leader’s body will be transported to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before a final burial on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his hometown. It remains unconfirmed if his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, will appear during the public rites.
