Iran begins weeklong funeral for Ali Khamenei

July 3 2026

Iran has begun an elaborate weeklong state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than four months after he was killed at the start of the U.S. Israeli war on Iran.

The ceremonies, which are expected to attract millions of mourners, span five cities across Iran and Iraq and are being presented by Iranian authorities as both a national farewell and a demonstration of resilience following one of the country’s most consequential conflicts in decades.

Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades, was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026. His funeral was delayed for months because of the ongoing conflict before a ceasefire created the conditions for the state ceremonies to proceed.

The funeral procession began in Tehran, where Khamenei is lying in state before being transported to the holy city of Qom. The ceremonies will also extend to the Iraqi Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala before concluding in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace, where he will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine.

Iranian officials say the funeral is expected to draw millions of participants, with foreign delegations from allied countries also attending.

Authorities have implemented heightened security measures, restricted flights and mobilized government resources to manage the anticipated crowds and ensure public safety.

The ceremonies coincide with the Islamic month of Muharram, a period of mourning that holds deep significance for Shia Muslims. Iranian leaders have framed the funeral as a symbol of martyrdom, national unity and defiance in the face of foreign military action.

Despite the large scale public mourning, analysts note that Khamenei’s death comes at a time of significant political and economic uncertainty for Iran. The country continues to grapple with international sanctions, internal divisions and questions surrounding the future direction of its leadership following the conflict.