Iran will hold a three-day state funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad [1].

The ceremonies mark the formal conclusion of a period of instability following the death of the nation's highest authority. The scale of the event is intended to demonstrate national unity and continuity of the state's ideological framework.

Officials said the plans on Tuesday, stating the funeral is expected to occur within the next two to three weeks [2]. The processions will span three cities [1], with a significant focus on the capital. Iranian state media said authorities expect up to 20 million people to attend in Tehran [3].

Khamenei died on Feb. 28, 2026 [1]. His death resulted from a U.S.–Israeli strike [4]. The delay between his death and the scheduled funeral ceremonies suggests a complex period of internal transition and logistical planning by the Iranian government.

The planned events will move through the religious and political hubs of the country. Tehran serves as the administrative center, while Qom and Mashhad are critical spiritual sites, making the three-city route a symbolic journey across the heart of the Islamic Republic.

Security forces are expected to maintain a heavy presence to manage the crowds. The anticipated turnout of 20 million [3] would represent one of the largest public gatherings in the history of the region. Government coordinators are currently finalizing the routes for the processions in each city to accommodate the volume of mourners.

“Authorities expect up to 20 million people to attend.”

The decision to hold a massive, multi-city funeral months after Khamenei's death underscores the Iranian leadership's need to consolidate power and legitimize the transition of authority. By mobilizing millions of mourners, the state aims to project strength and stability to both domestic audiences and foreign adversaries following the lethal U.S.–Israeli strike.