By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Iran will begin the state funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where millions of mourners, foreign dignitaries and religious leaders are expected to gather. Authorities announced the ceremonies after Khamenei, who died at 86 in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, during the Middle East war. The funeral will continue through several cities before his burial on July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
Tehran Makes Final Preparations
Workers continued preparations at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla as cranes lifted construction materials and crews painted sections of the complex.
State television aired footage showing workers completing the venue ahead of Saturday’s ceremony. Giant portraits of Khamenei now dominate the site, while security personnel maintain a heavy presence.
Officials expect between 15 and 20 million mourners, making it the largest state funeral in Iran’s history.
Public Holidays and Traffic Restrictions Announced
The Iranian government declared public holidays in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad to allow citizens to participate in the ceremonies.
Authorities also ordered public and private offices in Tehran to remain closed from Saturday through Monday. Meanwhile, traffic restrictions will limit private vehicle access across much of the city centre.
State television has repeatedly encouraged mourners to use public transportation and follow safety guidelines. Officials also advised attendees to stay hydrated as temperatures are expected to rise during the funeral period.
Funeral Procession Will Span Several Cities
The public funeral begins in Tehran before the procession moves to the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala.
Khamenei’s body will then return to Iran for burial on July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
The bodies of several of his slain relatives will also be presented during the ceremonies.
Foreign Leaders Expected to Attend
A separate ceremony for foreign leaders will take place on Friday.
Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the funeral ceremony headquarters, said representatives from about 30 countries are expected to attend.
Large numbers of mourners are also expected from neighbouring countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Questions Remain Over Mojtaba Khamenei
It remains unclear whether Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son and designated successor, will appear during the funeral.
Pourjamshidian declined to comment on the matter.
“The issue of the Supreme Leader’s attendance is not within my authority or knowledge,” he said.
Officials have stated that any announcement regarding his participation will come from the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Funeral Follows Months of Domestic Unrest
The funeral comes six months after nationwide protests that initially erupted over the rising cost of living before expanding into anti-government demonstrations.
Across Tehran, banners describe Iran’s future as “bright,” while many display the official funeral slogan, “We Must Rise.”
State television has also dedicated much of its recent programming to documentaries highlighting Khamenei’s life and leadership.
