Funeral Ceremonies of Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Khamenei (2026)

Funeral Rites of Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Khamenei, planned for 4–9 July 2026 in Iran and Iraq, are the farewell, funeral, and burial ceremonies for Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, who was killed in a joint air strike by the United States and Israel against Iran on 28 February 2026, along with family members who perished alongside him in the attack. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place over six days across six cities: Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad in Iran, and Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. Preparations for the rites are ongoing in Iran and Iraq as of early July 2026. ^【1】

^{Preparations for Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran, 1 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Khamenei, aged 86, died on 28 February 2026, the first day of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, during a joint air strike on his residence. In the same attack, his son-in-law Dr. Misbahu'l-Huda Bakri-Keni, daughter Seyyide Bushra Hosseini Khamenei, daughter-in-law Zehra Haddad Adil, and granddaughter Zehra Muhammadie Gulpaygani also lost their lives; the funeral program includes all four family members.^【2】

Khamenei has led Iran since the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of the Islamic Revolution, in 1989. He is succeeded by his son, Ayatollah Seyyid Mostafa Khamenei.

The burial was initially planned for March 2026 but was postponed due to the ongoing war between the United States and Israel and Iran. On 22 June 2026, at a press conference, spokesperson for the "Committee to Commemorate the Martyred Leader's Ascension," Iman Attarzadeh, stated that preparations for holding the ceremonies at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran began in the immediate days following the Leader’s martyrdom, but were delayed due to wartime conditions and the "savage aggression of the American-Zionist enemy," with the highest priority remaining the protection of the public’s health, safety, and security by the Leader’s office and organizers.

The slogan "We Must Rise" and the symbol of the "clenched fist" have been adopted for the farewell, funeral, and burial rites.

According to the schedule announced by Attarzadeh on 22 June 2026 and the official No. 3 bulletin issued by the commemoration headquarters, the official farewell, mourning, and burial ceremonies will commence on Saturday, 4 July 2026, corresponding to the 19th of Muharram. The announced timetable is as follows:

Friday, 3 July: An international official commemoration ceremony will be held in Tehran with participation from heads of state, senior officials, and religious leaders.

4–5 July (19–20 Muharram): A two-day public farewell ceremony will be held at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran. The mosque gates will open to the public at 06:00 on Saturday, 4 July, and will remain open 24 hours a day until the end of the ceremony for mourners.

The funeral prayer is scheduled for the morning of 5 July; the farewell ceremony will continue until 20:00 the same day.

Monday, 6 July (21 Muharram): A funeral procession will be held in Tehran.

Tuesday, 7 July (22 Muharram): Funeral rites and the funeral prayer will be held in the city of Qom.

^{Preparations for Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran, 1 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Wednesday, 8 July: In response to repeated requests from the Iraqi people, tribes, religious scholars, prominent figures, and political, cultural, and religious personalities, the remains will be transferred to Iraq, where ceremonies will be held at the shrines of Imam Ali, Imam Hussein, and Abbas ibn Ali in Najaf and Karbala. Exact timing and locations will be announced later by Iraqi government authorities.

Thursday, 9 July (24 Muharram): On the eve of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Sajjad, an ancestor of Khamenei, a funeral procession will be held in Mashhad, and the remains will be buried in the Imam Reza Shrine.^【3】

Attarzadeh stated that the remains of the Leader and his family members are being preserved in full compliance with religious and legal standards and with the utmost respect, and as of 1 July 2026, no burial has yet taken place. He also noted that Khamenei’s last visit to Karbala and Najaf was in 1957, and a planned visit in 1968 was canceled due to a travel ban imposed by SAVAK. He added that the transfer on 8 July will mark the first return to the holy shrines in Iraq after 69 years.

Ali Akbar Pourcemsidiyan, Secretary of the "National Headquarters for the Farewell and Funeral of the Martyred Revolutionary Leader," announced at a press conference on 30 June 2026 that comprehensive preparations for the ceremonies are being conducted under the decisions of the Supreme National Security Council and in coordination with the Leader’s office and family. The Iranian government and president have established a national headquarters named the "National Headquarters for Organizing the Farewell and Funeral of the Great Leader, Leader of the Ummah", chaired by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Arif. The Ministry of Interior serves as the secretariat, and all state institutions and public organizations are participating in the process.

To organize, manage, and execute the ceremonies in the designated provinces and cities—including Tehran, Qom, Razavi Khorasan, and Iraq—numerous committees have been formed covering logistics, operations, university ceremonies, security, infrastructure, culture and media, international affairs, and specialized public committees. In Iraq, a top-level national headquarters has been established under the supervision of the Iraqi Prime Minister and managed by the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate with Iran on the organization of the funeral procession, reception ceremonies, and honoring of the remains.

Pourcemsidiyan listed among the objectives of the ceremonies: reinforcing national unity and cohesion among Iran’s political, social, and religious groups; strengthening solidarity within the Islamic Ummah, including Sunni communities; and reaffirming the loyalty of members of the Islamic Ummah to the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyid Mostafa Khamenei.

Serdar Hasanzadeh, Commander of the Tehran Grand Muhammad Rasulullah Corps and head of the organizing committee for the funeral, farewell, and prayer ceremonies, announced on 28 June 2026 on Khabar TV that after detailed assessments, it was decided to plan a wide corridor or main axis for public participation rather than a single route, as no single street or passage has the capacity to handle the expected crowds. Hasanzadeh stated, "A west-east axis has been identified for the ceremony, beginning at Damavand Avenue, passing through Enghelab Avenue and Azadi Avenue, and extending to the Shahid Lashgari Highway."

^{Preparations for Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran, 1 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

In addition to the main route, areas north and south of the corridor have been designated to prevent vehicle access, facilitate visitor movement, and ensure orderly service delivery; North Kargar and South Kargar avenues have been designated as the two primary access corridors. Routes from Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani in the south and Ayatollah Saeedi in the north have also been planned to direct visitors toward the main ceremonial area.

The start time for the ceremonies and procession has been set at 06:00 to ensure favorable conditions for public participation during cooler hours. Due to the anticipated size of the crowds, no precise end time has been set for the ceremony; programs are planned to conclude in the evening.

Hasanzadeh confirmed that the location for the remains and the special section for the Leader’s family has been placed at a high point within the Imam Khomeini Mosque, visible from all areas of the ceremony ground. The layout and construction of the platforms and main ceremonial area are approximately 60–65% complete as of the announcement date. During the 48-hour farewell ceremony, the official program will include international dignitaries, ceremonial poets, Ehl-e Beyt eulogists, and other cultural-religious groups; continuous day-and-night events will be held in different pavilions. Various programs have been prepared for visitors, including Quran recitations, marsiyeh, poetry, and mourning rituals.

Initial estimates suggest that at least 12 to 15 million people will attend, with some assessments projecting numbers as high as 20 million. Planning has been based on maximum capacity. Separate entry and exit routes have been designed within the mosque to manage congestion; it is estimated that even during peak times, a visitor’s journey from entry to exit will take approximately 15–20 minutes. Attendees are requested to leave the area within 10–15 minutes after the moment of silence to allow more people to participate.

Five temporary visitor cities are planned around the Imam Khomeini Mosque to provide health stations, mosques, rest areas, drinking water, and essential services. Tehran’s metro and bus fleets will operate at full capacity to serve visitors; mobile service units (mawakib), religious delegations, and civil groups will provide accommodation, food, and welfare services within a radius of approximately one and a half kilometers around the mosque and along the funeral route. Considering that temperatures may reach 38–39 degrees Celsius, visitors are urged to follow safety warnings, use shaded routes, and carry water and protective equipment.^【4】

As of 1 July 2026, preparations continue at the Imam Khomeini Mosque. A large platform has been constructed in the mosque courtyard to house the coffins of Khamenei and those killed in the same attack; the platform’s perimeter has been enclosed with concrete blocks, and access to the area has been largely restricted. To reduce the impact of the heat on attendees, a cooling system has been installed in the courtyard; intense security measures have been implemented across the area where numerous construction machines and cranes are operating.^【5】

^{Preparations for Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran, 1 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Iranian Armed Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Ekriminia stated that the military is prepared to play an active role in organizing the ceremonies to safeguard national security, provide public services, and receive foreign guests expected to attend.

Security measures have been enhanced along Iran’s land and air borders, with additional Ground Forces units deployed to strengthen border security. The Air Defense Force will continuously monitor the country’s skies and regulate air traffic during the increased travel and foreign flight activity associated with the ceremonies.

The military has established four temporary visitor camps around Tehran to provide accommodation, food, and medical and health services to visitors and participants. Military helicopter units and aviation rescue teams will be deployed along major routes to provide emergency and medical support; mobile and urban hospitals, drawing on operational experience gained during wartime, will station medical teams at the Tehran Mosque and along the visitor routes. Military logistics units and support centers will assist with transportation, supply, welfare services, and accommodation.

Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, led a diplomatic delegation to Iraq and held a meeting on Sunday, 28 June 2026 with Ihsan al-Awadi, Director of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Special Office and Chairman of the Iraqi High Committee responsible for coordinating the funeral procession in Iraq. The parties exchanged views on preparations and procedures for holding the funeral rites in Iraq. Al-Awadi described the holding of the funeral rites in Iraq and at the holy shrines as a "historical honor" for the Iraqi nation and emphasized that the Iraqi government and people would spare no effort to ensure the ceremonies are conducted with grandeur and dignity. The parties agreed to continue coordination between the Iranian Ministry of Interior’s funeral headquarters and the Iraqi High Committee in the coming days.

During his visit to Iraq, Araghchi also held separate meetings with the Governor of Karbala, Nasif Cassim al-Hattabi, and the Governor of Najaf, Yusuf Kanavi. The Governor of Karbala stated that local authorities and institutions are fully prepared to mobilize all available capacities to welcome visitors and mourners. The Governor of Najaf emphasized that all administrative, service, and security capacities in Najaf are ready to be activated. The parties discussed logistical preparations, available resources, and organizational requirements and agreed to continue coordination through the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad and the Iranian Consulates General in Karbala and Najaf.^【6】

Pourcemsidiyan announced on 30 June 2026 that more than 30 countries have officially confirmed their participation, and over 90 countries have indicated their readiness to send representatives and dignitaries. Numerous religious leaders, senior clerics, and prominent figures from different faiths and schools have also requested to attend.^【7】

Ceremony spokesperson Attarzadeh stated on 1 July 2026 that approximately 40 countries will be represented by senior officials and heads of state; in addition to massive crowds of Iranian citizens, political, cultural, scientific, religious, academic, and distinguished personalities from around the world will participate in the ceremonies.^【8】

According to an announcement by the Office of the President of Georgia, President Mikheil Kavelashvili will travel to Iran to attend the funeral rites.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during a cabinet meeting on 1 July 2026, described the upcoming funeral as a historic event and called on the Iranian nation to demonstrate unity and solidarity through massive participation. Pezeshkian stated, "The Martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution was not merely Iran’s; he was an influential figure within the Islamic world and the broader global Shia community." He emphasized that the ceremony must serve as a symbol of national unity and integrity for all segments of society and urged avoidance of any actions that might undermine solidarity.

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf, in a message issued on 2 July 2026, invited the entire population to attend the ceremonies in Tehran and other cities. He stated that the martyred Leader’s funeral is not merely a farewell but a renewal of the nation’s covenant with the path of the martyrs and the values of the Islamic Revolution. In his message, Kalibaf stated, "Today, the eyes of history are turned toward Iran. Your participation, numbering in the millions, will be a manifestation of love and loyalty."

Ali Khamenei’s state funeral, held at the Imam Khomeini Musalla Mosque in Tehran, began on 3 July 2026. The ceremony was attended by Iranian officials and citizens as well as representatives from numerous countries. It commenced with a moment of silence accompanied by recitation from the Qur’an.

According to Iranian state television, approximately 100 countries are expected to send representatives to the day-long state funeral. In a statement made on the occasion of the funeral, Iranian official Hatemi said, “This martyrdom has undoubtedly strengthened our resolve. The enemies of the Iranian people, the killers the United States and Israel, must know that we will avenge the martyr Imam Khamenei and all our martyrs.”

^{State funeral held for Iran’s former leader Khamenei, who died in the US-Israel attack, 3 July 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Among the foreign state and government representatives attending the funeral on 3 July were Iraq’s President Nizar Amidi, Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Lebanon’s Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Walid al-Hurayzi, Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Oman’s Chairman of the State Council Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al-Halili, Qatar’s Chairman of the Shura Council Hasan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, and Hezbollah official and former Lebanese minister Mahmoud Kumati.

On 3 July, the Turkish delegation to the state funeral included Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Chairman of the Turkey-Iran Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Kayhan Türkmenoğlu, TBMM Administrative Officer Hasan Turan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Musa Kulaklıkaya, and Turkey’s Ambassador to Tehran Hicabi Kırlangıç. After reciting a prayer before Khamenei’s coffin, Yılmaz departed the venue with the delegation.

Also present at the funeral were representatives from the Republican People’s Party, Felicity Party, Great Unity Party, Renewal of Welfare Party, Free Cause Party, Future Party, and Homeland Party. Approximately 100 countries sent heads of state or parliament, foreign ministers, and special government envoys to the mourning ceremony.

^{State funeral held for Iran’s former leader Khamenei, who died in the US-Israel attack, 3 July 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Iran’s new religious leader and Ali Khamenei’s son Morteza Khamenei will not attend his father’s funeral, as announced by Iran’s representative in India. The reason cited for his absence is heightened security measures taken following Israel’s latest threat to assassinate Morteza Khamenei.

Ali Abdullahi, Commander of the Headquarters of Mujtahid al-Anbiya, warned the United States and Israel against any potential attack during the funeral in a statement to Iranian state media.

^{State funeral held for Iran’s former leader Khamenei, who died in the US-Israel attack, 3 July 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Abdullahi’s statement read: “We warn Iran’s enemies, particularly the United States and the Zionist regime [Israel], to avoid any miscalculations and to consider the firm retaliation our armed forces will carry out against any threat or aggression directed toward our country.”

The United States military has announced the deployment of a second unit, typically composed of more than 2,000 marines, to the Middle East.

On the morning of Saturday 4 July 2026, the farewell ceremony for Iran’s former Islamic Revolutionary Leader Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei began at the Imam Khomeini Musalla in Tehran, with massive public participation from all corners of the country. Many people arrived at the Musalla hours before the gates opened. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the gates were opened early at the time of the dawn call to prayer, allowing the public to enter the main courtyard.

^{Farewell ceremony in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Khamenei, who died in the US-Israel attack, 4 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

In addition to Iranian citizens who came from cities and villages across the country, individuals from various nations around the world gathered at the Musalla to pay their final respects to Iran’s former leader Khamenei. Attendees carried Iranian flags, photographs of Khamenei, the clenched fist symbol, and portraits of the new leader, Ayatollah Seyyid Mucteba Hosseini Khamenei.

According to Al Jazeera, the ceremony held on 3 July, which included foreign delegations, was one of the largest gatherings of foreign heads of state in Iran in the past decade. Representatives from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, as well as major international organizations, attended. The delegations included presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers, foreign ministers, senior government officials, political leaders, and representatives of religious institutions and resistance movements.

On the evening of 3 July, as the United States prepared to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence, U.S. President Donald Trump, in a speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, referred to the week of mourning in Iran. Trump said, “We gave them a week for a funeral because we are nice,” and asserted that Iran had “very much wanted” to reach an agreement.

BBC News Persian reported that Iranian authorities anticipated between 12 and 20 million attendees for the ceremonies, which began amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, and described the event as “the funeral of the century.” Khamenei’s coffin will be displayed for three days alongside the coffins of family members who died in the U.S. and Israeli attacks at the Grand Musalla.

^{Farewell ceremony in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Khamenei, who died in the US-Israel attack, 4 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The ceremonies are expected to surpass the scale of the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which drew around 10 million mourners, and to become one of the largest public funerals in modern history. Purcemşidiyan, secretary of the commemoration committee, noted that the question of who will lead the funeral prayer holds significant religious and political importance within Shia tradition.

As part of the commemoration program, Iranian authorities announced that a series of farewell, funeral, and burial ceremonies will be held across Iran and Iraq following the end of the war. Preparations began immediately after the Leader’s martyrdom, but were postponed due to wartime conditions and U.S.-Israeli aggression, with public safety prioritized. The ceremonies will continue nationwide for 40 days, and commemorative events are planned up to the first anniversary of Khamenei’s burial.

On Sunday 5 July, a funeral prayer (Salat al-Janaza) was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran for Hamaney and four family members killed in the US-Israel air strike on his residence on 28 February; millions of people attended the prayer.

During the ceremony some participants carried red flags and chanted slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some participants also wrote the phrase “Kill Trump” on the stage with chalk.

^{Funeral prayer held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney, 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Due to the massive turnout the farewell ceremony lasted until 22:00 local time. After being open for one day to visits by senior Iranian officials and foreign representatives, Hamaney’s coffin, along with those of his daughter son-in-law daughter-in-law and 14-month-old grandson was displayed in an open-air glass enclosure starting on Saturday 4 July.

Hamaney’s sons Mostafa Meysam and Masoud Hamaney were shown on state television praying behind the rows of coffins at the courtyard of the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran on Sunday 5 July. Mousavi Hamaney Hamaney’s successor son did not attend the ceremonies. A large number of senior Iranian officials attended the funeral prayer on Sunday. Iranian authorities stated that Mousavi Hamaney’s absence was due to security concerns.

Religious and political symbols were prominently featured in the ceremonies held for Hamaney. The official slogan of the ceremonies was “We Must Rise”; this phrase was used on banners and visuals displayed throughout the event grounds.

^{Funeral prayer held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney, 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

One of the most prominent visuals of the ceremonies was an illustration depicting Hamaney’s clenched fist on a red and black background. The image was said to be based on a message attributed to Mousavi Hamaney. It is known that Ayatollah Ali Hamaney was unable to use his right arm due to injuries sustained in a 1981 bombing attempt. The combined use of red and black was described as symbolizing mourning martyrdom and revenge.

A red flag bearing the Arabic inscription “O Avengers of Hussein” was hung at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran where Hamaney’s coffin lay. In a statement during the funeral the Supreme National Security Council noted that the crowd chanted slogans of resistance against enemies and calls for Hamaney’s revenge.

The route of the coffin’s transport was also described as symbolically significant. It was reported that the route began in Qom and passed through Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before reaching the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. The fact that the ceremonies began at the Grand Mosque built in honor of Iran’s first leader Ruhollah Khomeini was interpreted as establishing a symbolic link between the two leaders of the Republic.

Delegations from Hezbollah in Lebanon Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine and the Houthis in Yemen also attended the state ceremonies. Verses from the Quran were recited for foreign delegations arriving before Hamaney’s coffin. It was reported that the selected verses contained different themes according to the country or group represented. The verses chosen for Pakistan which was described by Hamas Hezbollah and officials as a “brother country” carried messages of fidelity to covenant perseverance and devotion to God; verses recited for the delegation from Riyadh that recounted the Battle of Badr generated significant media attention.

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

On the night of 5 July President Pezeshkian in a statement broadcast by Mehr News Agency expressed deep condolences for the martyrdom of Hamaney his family members and other Iranians who lost their lives defending the honor of Iran and Islam in the recent conflict. He said the people’s behavior at the farewell ceremony was more meaningful than any words. Pezeshkian stated “People can say many things. If I were to say something only a few Persian speakers would understand it; but the people’s behavior and presence are understood by the entire world” adding “This greatness the tears flowing from the eyes of women men and children arise from the pain and grief within the human heart and the world sees this truth. The most meaningful act of all words and speeches is the behavior of our beloved people at the funeral of our beloved Leader.”

Pezeshkian continued his remarks by saying “When we say farewell I do not accept this interpretation; this is not a farewell but a pledge to continue on the path of (Martyred Leader Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Hamaney)”.

Pezeshkian rejected Trump’s claim that the grief displayed at the funeral was “fake tears” saying “These tears cannot be manufactured by order”. He added “The enemy entered this war and disrupted the region’s geography but in reality strengthened the unity and solidarity among Muslims” and accused Israel of carrying out all crimes in the region with the support of the United States and European countries.

^{Funeral prayer held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

It was announced that Tehran’s airspace would be fully closed on Monday 6 July in connection with the funeral ceremonies. No general flight restrictions were imposed during the ceremonies on 5 July; however according to the schedule issued by the Civil Aviation Organization scheduled flights at Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport were temporarily suspended on 6 July due to public ceremonies.

It was announced that Mehrabad International Airport would resume normal operations on Tuesday 7 July while Imam Khomeini International Airport would remain closed. Authorities stated that airspace over Mashhad and flight operations at Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport would be temporarily suspended on 9 July in connection with the final burial ceremony. Flights in other regions of the country were confirmed to continue normally on 7–8 July except for restrictions related to the ceremonies in Mashhad.

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

In addition to foreign media personnel already stationed in Iran more than 300 foreign journalists were granted special press visas to cover the funeral ceremonies.

On Monday 6 July following two days of public mourning a funeral procession began in Tehran for the late leader Ali Hamaney. Crowds began gathering before dawn and marched along the route of Damavand Avenue Imam Hussein Square Inqilab Avenue Azadi Avenue Azadi Square and Shahid Lashkari Highway. The procession moved from Revolution Square to Azadi Square.

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Millions of people carrying flags and posters participated in the early morning ceremony. It was reported that some participants wept loud lamentations were broadcast through speakers placed along the streets and local music from different regions of Iran was played at certain points. Participation came not only from Tehran but from cities across the country; some attendees from outside the capital spent the night in tents set up in parks.

The Tehran metro experienced heavy congestion due to people attempting to join the procession. Due to the scale of participation the procession was expected to last between 10 and 12 hours; the greatest crowd concentration was anticipated along the procession route as only a limited number of people could be admitted to the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque at any one time.

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The procession route reached full capacity and participants seeking to view the ceremony spilled into side streets. At various points along the route chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were heard accompanied by religious hymns. Some participants burned flags of the United Kingdom and United States while others carried banners depicting portraits of US leaders with targets drawn on them.

It was reported that the temperature in Tehran was expected to reach 37°C on the day of the ceremony. Misting systems spraying water were deployed along the route to cool the predominantly black-clad participants. Water drinks and breakfast items were also distributed to the public at various points along the procession.

Many streets were closed to vehicle traffic. Participants walked long distances to reach the ceremony areas and those unable to walk were transported to the event zones via shuttle services established at designated points. Live footage from the ceremony was broadcast on large screens installed across various locations in the capital.

Ali Hamaney and his family’s coffins draped in the Iranian flag were transported on a vehicle that led the main funeral procession through central Tehran streets.

The white and green vehicle carrying the coffins had partially open sides to allow the public to view them. Hamaney and his family’s coffins were carried inside a specially designed truck modeled after the Imam Reza Shrine and moved among the crowds.

Many participants in the procession carried red and white flags inscribed in Persian with “Ya Hussein”. This flag is associated in Shia tradition with martyrdom and revenge and is said to reference the death of Imam Hussein grandson of the Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala.

It was reported that the flag had previously been used in major national ceremonies and had been draped over Hamaney’s coffin. The procession was carried out under the coordination of state institutions and volunteers and no casualties were reported during the organization.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in remarks to Israel Channel 13 that his country had killed Hamaney because he “initiated and directed plans to destroy Israel in Iran and across the region.” He argued that “every Iranian leader who seeks to advance plans to destroy Israel will be stopped.” Katz claimed that the US-Israel strikes on Iran “eliminated urgent existential threats to Israel and inflicted serious damage on Iran’s strategic capacity.” He described mourners chanting “Kill Trump” at the funeral as “shameful” and asserted that they revealed “the true nature of the ayatollah regime.” He added that Israel remains ready to defend itself at all times against any threat.

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Katz’s earlier statement that Mousavi Hamaney was “marked for death” had drawn a strong reaction in Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by stating that Trump had “made the United States responsible for silencing pets in Tel Aviv” and declared “Every threat against our people and our leadership will be met with a powerful response.”

Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Kalibaf met with senior Hezbollah official Muhammad Fneish who traveled to Tehran for the funeral ceremonies. Kalibaf stated that peace in Lebanon could not be lasting unless Iran played its “stabilizing role” in the region. According to Iranian media Kalibaf noted that Tehran had made Lebanon a central issue in negotiations toward a US-Iran agreement saying “We placed special emphasis on Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty”. Kalibaf said Hezbollah’s support for Iran during the US-Israel attacks demonstrated the strength of relations between Iran and the groups described as the “resistance axis.”

^{Farewell ceremony held in Tehran for Iran’s former leader Hamaney killed in the US-Israel attack 5 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Kalibaf also met with Hamas leadership council chairman Mohammad Darwish who attended the funeral ceremonies. Kalibaf acknowledged deep disagreements between Iran and the United States despite the agreement memorandum and described its implementation as “difficult but possible.” In remarks reported by Iranian media Kalibaf said “We have no peace with the United States and we do not recognize Israel.” He affirmed that Iran would continue supporting Muslims and the “resistance axis” along Hamaney’s line and would do so “if necessary with missiles or through negotiations and political pressure.” He emphasized that Iran would not avoid negotiations for negotiations’ sake stating “We told the American side that the cessation of war against the territorial integrity of regional countries and Iran’s allies in the resistance groups must be part of the memorandum and this has been added to the text.”

Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces General Amir Hatami stated during the funeral proceedings that Iran would continue pursuing justice.

On Tuesday July 7 a large-scale funeral ceremony was held at the Cemkeran Mosque in Qom for Hamaney and his family. Residents of Qom began gathering at the ceremony site from late night; millions of attendees completely filled the route between the Cemkeran Mosque and the Shrine of Hazrat Fatima. Anti-US and anti-Israel slogans were frequently chanted during the ceremony. The funeral prayer for Hamaney's body in Qom was led by Ayatollah Javadi Amoli.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in the city of Qom for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 7, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Following the grand procession in Qom, Hamaney's body was transferred to Iraq on Tuesday night. The funeral ceremonies in Iraq began with an official reception ceremony held at the Najaf International Airport for the body; senior officials from Iran and Iraq paid their respects before the public farewell.

The reception ceremony was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi, senior officials and religious figures. Iraqi authorities received the body in the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the deceased leader's eldest son Mostafa Hosseini Hamaney. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also part of the delegation transporting the body. According to Reuters, Pezeshkian and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also arrived in Iraq to join the procession.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in the city of Qom for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 7, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

According to Tasnim, Najaf Governor Yusuf Makki Kanavi announced that security, logistical and service preparations for the funeral ceremonies scheduled for July 7 in the city had been completed. Kanavi noted that a joint committee composed of representatives from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office, Joint Operations Command, Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) and the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad had previously reviewed all organizational preparations.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in the city of Qom for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 7, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Starting from the night of Monday, July 6, massive public participation began in the city; volunteer service points known in Iraq as "mevkib" were established throughout Najaf and along all access routes to the city. At these points, preparations were made to provide food, water, medical support and various basic services to those attending the funeral ceremonies. New service points were also established along the route between Najaf and Kufa, and organizational efforts were carried out for visitors.

The Iraqi government deployed buses to facilitate access to Najaf and Karbala for participants arriving from different provinces. Special Operations units of Hashd al-Shaabi were also deployed to Najaf to ensure security during the ceremonies. It was reported that security forces had taken comprehensive measures to maintain public order during the funeral ceremonies.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in the city of Qom for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 7, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

On Wednesday morning, July 8, 2026, a funeral prayer was held at the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf for the body of the former Iranian leader and family members killed in the attack. The funeral prayer was led by Muhammad Taqi al-Hakim, one of the senior scholars of the Najaf religious seminary. According to Tasnim, the official funeral procession began at 06:00 local time (03:00 GMT); it was attended by the heads of Iraq's executive, legislative and judicial branches, political representatives, members of the Coordination Framework, parliamentarians and other state officials.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in Najaf, Iraq, for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 8, 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The body was transported to the Imam Ali Shrine following the public funeral procession in Najaf. According to Tasnim, due to the massive turnout, the procession moved slowly and covered the approximately three-kilometer route in four hours. Participants carried flags of Iraq, Iran and Hezbollah, as well as black mourning banners and red flags.

According to AFP, despite high temperatures, large crowds gathered along Najaf’s streets from early morning. The body was transported on a truck toward the Imam Ali Shrine, where numerous clerics waited in the shrine’s courtyard before the funeral prayer. Due to many people attempting to approach the coffin, periodic overcrowding and congestion occurred.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held in Najaf, Iraq, for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

The body was placed in a casket wrapped in the Iranian flag and enclosed in a glass casing. During the ceremony, some participants whipped themselves with chains. The bodies of those killed alongside the former leader, including family members, were transported to shrines in Najaf and Karbala early on Wednesday.

^{A farewell ceremony is being held for Iran's former leader Khamenei in the city of Najaf, Iraq, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Najaf, Jack Hewson, stated that no official figure was available for the number of people gathered in the city, but that hundreds of thousands had participated in the ceremonies. Hashd al-Shaabi claimed in a statement that more than 2.3 million people attended the funeral procession in Najaf alone. The bodies of the former leader and his family members killed with him were paraded around the Imam Ali Shrine.

Quds Force Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ismail Qaani also remarked in his statement on the religious and social ties between Iraq and Iran. Qaani, evaluating the preparations made by the Iraqi government and people for the funeral ceremonies, said that this organization had "demonstrated to the entire world the depth of the spiritual bond between the two great nations of Iraq and Iran."

^{A farewell ceremony is being held for Iran's former leader Khamenei in the city of Najaf, Iraq, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Following the funeral ceremonies in Najaf, the body was flown to Karbala, located approximately 60 kilometers to the north. Food and drink stations were set up throughout the city; security forces were heavily deployed, and medical teams were kept on standby for possible emergencies. As the coffin was carried through massive crowds, water misting systems were used to mitigate the effects of the hot weather.

^{Funeral ceremonies are being held in Kerbela, Iraq, for Iran's former leader Khamenei, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

According to AP, the body was later taken to the Imam Hussein Shrine, where the funeral prayer was led by Abdulmehdi al-Karbala'i, representative of Iraq’s highest Shia religious authority. Due to the large crowd, periodic congestion occurred and movement of the coffin became difficult. At the Imam Abbas Mosque, organizers decided to carry the coffin at a lower level to better manage the crowd.

The funeral ceremonies in Iraq took place amid renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran around the Strait of Hormuz. Mutual attacks occurred on Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8.

^{Funeral ceremonies for Iran's former leader Khamenei are being held in the Iraqi city of Karbala, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

US President Donald Trump said in a statement on Wednesday that he believed the three-week preliminary agreement aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran had lost its validity. Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf accused the United States of violating the agreement and stated that Iran would "not submit".

According to Tasnim, after funeral ceremonies held in Tehran, Qom, Najaf and Karbala, the former leader’s body was transported to Mashhad on Thursday, July 9 for the final procession and burial. The body is planned to be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine. Footage released by Iran’s official news agency IRNA showed the body arriving at the Mashhad International Airport. It was reported that many people from various regions of Iran had traveled to Mashhad to attend the final funeral ceremony.

^{Funeral ceremony for Iran's former leader Khamenei is being held in the city of Karbala, Iraq, July 8, 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

It was announced that due to the massive turnout and delays experienced during the ceremonies in Iraq, the procession would begin later than originally scheduled; it is expected to start at 14:00 local time on Imam Reza Street.

According to Al Jazeera’s Tehran correspondent, Iranian officials stated that the attack allegedly carried out by the United States during the night on the Tehran-Mashhad railway line, which reportedly temporarily disabled the route, had not caused any delay to the burial schedule. According to Tasnim, among the foreign guests attending the ceremony was Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaki, leader of Nigeria’s Shia community.