Iran Begins Khamenei Farewell Ceremonies in Tehran

The first stage of the official funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has begun, with his body lying in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, the country’s largest venue for Friday congregational prayers. The ceremony marks the beginning of several days of national mourning and commemorative events before his burial.

Early on Friday morning, the bodies of Ayatollah Khamenei and those killed alongside him were transferred to the Grand Mosalla in the Iranian capital. They were placed inside the mosque’s main prayer hall, where the official public farewell commenced. Foreign guests, religious scholars and representatives of recognised religious minority communities in Iran have begun paying their respects to the late leader.

Among the first international visitors were Islamic scholars and cultural figures from Indonesia and Afghanistan. Representatives of Iran’s recognised religious minority communities also attended the ceremony, offering condolences and honouring Khamenei’s legacy.

Ayatollah Khamenei was killed on 28 February, the first day of the war between Iran, the United States and Israel, according to the account provided by Iranian authorities.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Friday that delegations from approximately 100 countries are expected to participate in the funeral proceedings. According to him, the attendees will include government officials, prominent public figures, representatives of civil society organisations and international delegations from across the world.

Baghaei stated that several neighbouring countries are sending high-level delegations. At least eight heads of government, including presidents and prime ministers, are expected to attend, alongside the speakers of parliament from 12 countries. Many other nations will be represented by foreign ministers, cabinet ministers or special envoys.

He also said that distinguished figures, members of social organisations and parliamentary representatives from around 100 countries would join the ceremonies. Official delegations and lawmakers from several Eastern European countries are also expected to attend. However, Baghaei noted that European countries which formally supported the military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran were not invited to participate.

Before the state-organised ceremonies began, a private farewell gathering was held on Thursday evening. Family members of those killed during the recent conflict, along with relatives of staff from the Office of the Supreme Leader, attended the event to pay their final respects.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appealed for broad public participation in the funeral ceremonies, urging citizens from every social background, political viewpoint, ethnic community and religious belief to attend. In a message posted on the social media platform X, he called on Iranians to take part in what he described as a dignified and historic farewell that would demonstrate national unity and commitment to the ideals of the Islamic Republic.

Iranian officials estimate that between 15 million and 20 million people could participate in various stages of the funeral and mourning process over several days, reflecting the significance of the event within the country.

Public mourning ceremonies will continue on Saturday and Sunday, during which Ayatollah Khamenei’s body will remain at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla to allow members of the public to pay their respects. A large mourning procession is scheduled to take place in Tehran on Monday.

The programme will then continue with additional religious observances in the holy city of Qom. Memorial events are also planned in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf before the funeral concludes with Ayatollah Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on 9 July.