Iran began a state funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 4 [2], following his death in February [1].
The ceremonies mark the first formal public mourning for the leader since he was killed on Feb. 28, 2026 [1], in a joint U.S. and Israeli attack on his residence [1].
Main events are centered in Tehran's large prayer hall, where the body of Khamenei and four family members were placed on a platform [1]. The state plans a series of mourning events and processions that will last six days [4].
Officials said they expect up to 20 million mourners to attend the events [4]. While some reports state the ceremonies will occur in three cities [5], other sources indicate they will be held in five cities [4]. These locations include Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad [3].
The procession concludes with the burial of the Supreme Leader, which is scheduled for July 9 [2].
“The ceremonies mark the first formal public mourning for the leader since he was killed on Feb. 28, 2026.”
The scale of the state funeral and the inclusion of family members killed in the same strike underscore the Iranian government's effort to frame the event as a national tragedy and a martyrdom. By extending the ceremonies across multiple religious hubs like Qom and Mashhad, the state is leveraging the country's spiritual infrastructure to solidify internal stability and mobilize public sentiment following the loss of its highest authority.
