Tehran Hosts Funeral Procession for Khamenei Amid Tight Security

Iran on Monday began funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in Tehran as authorities prepared for massive crowds during the procession.

State media reported that Khamenei’s coffin left Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex after lying in state for two days, beginning a public procession through the capital.

The longtime Iranian leader was killed on February 28, alongside four members of his family, during Israeli airstrikes linked to US intelligence during the recent Middle East conflict.

Images broadcast by state television showed mourners filling Imam Hussein Square, while some demonstrators displayed an effigy of US President Donald Trump.

Authorities have put extensive security measures in place to avoid a repeat of the deadly crowd crush that occurred during the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

According to state agency IRNA, more than 10 people died and over 10,000 were injured during Khomeini’s funeral due to crowd surges.

Large concrete walls were erected around Khamenei’s coffin area during public viewing ceremonies to prevent stampedes.

The funerals are also serving as a display of unity and resilience by Iranian authorities following five weeks of war involving Israel and the United States.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised the turnout, saying the “proud and invincible nation of Islamic Iran unanimously” honoured its fallen leader.

The funeral programme will continue in Qom on Tuesday, followed by ceremonies in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday before Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on Thursday.

Attention has also turned to Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father but has not been seen publicly since assuming power.

Iranian officials have said Mojtaba suffered injuries in the airstrikes, although no details have been released about his condition.

During Sunday’s mourning ceremonies, several mourners demanded retaliation over Khamenei’s death.

“The killers (of Khamenei) must face punishment,” a mourner identified as Miremadi told AFP.

“We back our revolution and our leader, and we demand revenge for the blood of our loved ones,” another mourner named Bakand stated.

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