Millions of people packed the streets of Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Monday. They came to say goodbye to their late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on 28 February 2026 during air strikes by the US and Israel at the start of the recent war. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
This massive event is a major moment for the country, serving as both a giant farewell and a show of strength to the rest of the world.
An Unprecedented Crowd
Helicopter videos broadcast by state media showed an unbroken sea of people dressed in black. The crowd stretched for more than 10 kilometres (6 miles) along the city’s main route, Azadi (Freedom) Street.
Local experts estimate that between 12 million and 15 million people took part. This makes the crowd far larger than the massive funeral held for General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Mourners swarmed the large lorry carrying the coffins, throwing flowers and waving red flags, which traditionally symbolise a call for justice.
High Tensions and Global Politics
Iranian leaders are using this huge public gathering to show that the country remains united. At the same time, diplomats are quietly talking with the US to try to permanently end the war. Right now, Iran is using its control over the vital Strait of Hormuz (a crucial sea route for global oil) as its main leverage in those talks.
Meanwhile, there is a lot of tension behind the scenes:
Reports suggest that the US government tried to stop international leaders from attending. US officials warned other countries that sending high-level representatives to the funeral would be seen by Washington as an unfriendly act.
The Six-Day Journey
The procession in Tehran is just one part of a long journey. The coffins are being taken to several holy cities across both Iran and neighbouring Iraq over six days.
Public Viewing in Tehran
Saturday, 4 July
The ceremonies opened at the Grand Mosalla Mosque, where hundreds of thousands of people came to see the coffins displayed in secure glass cases.
The Main Tehran Procession
Monday, 6 July
Millions of people marched through the capital, ending at the iconic Azadi Tower before the cortege left the city.
Moving to Qom
Tuesday, 7 July
The procession arrives in the holy city of Qom, which is the main centre for Iran’s religious schools.
Journey to Iraq
Wednesday, 8 July
The bodies will be flown to Iraq for special processions in the highly sacred Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala.
Final Burial in Mashhad
Thursday, 9 July
Ayatollah Khamenei will be laid to rest permanently at the famous, gold-domed Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
What Happens Next?
Even with the massive public display of unity, there are many questions about Iran’s future leadership.
Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was quietly chosen as the new Supreme Leader shortly after his father’s death. However, he has stayed completely out of the public eye during these funeral events. Experts are watching closely to see how this transition of power will unfold.