Iran entered the second day of nationwide funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Sunday as authorities prepared to hold prayers over his casket before a series of processions through Tehran and other cities.
Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until his death at the age of 86, was killed in an airstrike on February 28 during the opening day of the recent Middle East conflict. His death marked the end of more than three decades of leadership during a period that saw Iran face international sanctions, regional conflicts and ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.
State television reported that prayers over Khamenei’s casket were scheduled to take place at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex before his body begins a procession through the capital. Authorities have not announced who will lead the religious service, with speculation focusing on either a senior cleric or a member of the late leader’s family.
The Iranian government declared Sunday a national public holiday to allow people across the country to participate in mourning events. Officials expect millions of mourners to attend the ceremonies, with estimates suggesting that more than 10 million people could gather in Tehran over the coming days.
Large crowds filled the Grand Mosalla complex on the opening day of the funeral, many dressed in black while carrying Iranian flags and red banners symbolising sacrifice and vengeance. Mourners chanted slogans in support of the Islamic Republic and condemned the United States and Israel, reflecting the tensions that remain despite the ceasefire reached after weeks of fighting.
Among those attending were delegations from regional groups allied with Iran, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met representatives from several of these organisations during the ceremonies, according to state media.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described the large turnout as evidence of public support for Khamenei’s leadership and accused Israel of contributing to instability across the Middle East. He said Iran and its allies would continue resisting outside pressure.
Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since being named the country’s new supreme leader. Reports indicate he was injured in the same airstrike that killed his father, though Iranian authorities have not provided further details about his condition.
Following the procession through Tehran, Khamenei’s coffin is scheduled to travel to the religious city of Qom before continuing to neighbouring Iraq and finally to Mashhad in northeastern Iran, where he is expected to be buried later this week.
Security has been tightened across the capital as officials prepare for massive crowds. Emergency measures have also been introduced to protect mourners from extreme summer temperatures, with water misting stations and medical teams deployed throughout the funeral sites as temperatures are forecast to approach 40 degrees Celsius.
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