Iran has officially launched a seven-day state funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Massive crowds, joined by high-ranking government officials, religious leaders, and international delegates, convened in Tehran to observe the proceedings. Khamenei, who served for 37 years, died during initial Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on February 28.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, the leader’s casket was positioned at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque. Attendees engaged in prayers and mourning rituals. Beside his casket rested the remains of several relatives also killed in the strike, including his daughter, son-in-law, a granddaughter, and his daughter-in-law.
The schedule includes transport of the remains to Qom, Iran, followed by visits to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala. The final interment is set for Thursday in Mashhad. Authorities are framing this event as a display of national strength, supported by heavy military and paramilitary security throughout the capital. Despite government efforts to demonstrate unity, experts note that the country remains fractured by economic instability and past civil unrest.
Foreign representatives from nations such as Russia, China, Iraq, Armenia, and Pakistan were present, along with family members of the late Hezbollah figures Hassan Nasrallah and Imad Mughniyeh. Officials have explicitly warned the U.S. and Israel against any interference throughout the mourning week.
