Funeral rites for the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have begun. Iranians gathered at the Grand Mosallah in Tehran on 4th and 5th July as planned, to pay their last respects. Today, Iranians are set to mourn the late Ayatollah in processions in the Iranian cities of Tehran and Qom.
The Death and Burial of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Seyyed Ali Khamenei, died on 28th February 2026 in Tehran. He died under missile strikes launched by the US and Israel, which marked the beginning of the months-long Iran war.
As the war seems to be ending, Iran has planned a week-long period to mourn the late Ayatollah. The mourning period that begun on 4th July 2026 will end on 9th July 2026.
Hence, the late Ayatollah, whose reign as Supreme Leader lasted 37 years, will be buried on 9th July. He will be laid to rest at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad City.
The July 4th Funeral Rites for Ayatollah Khamenei
Iranians began the processions to honor the Late Supreme Leader on 4th July 2026, finally assembling at the Grand Mosallah. The day started with the playing of the national anthem.
Subsequently, the mourners listened to various eulogies, which were accompanied by readings from the Noble Kuran.
Alongside Ali Khamenei’s coffin were four more, bearing bodies of family members killed on the same day he died.
As the mourning crowds were broadcast online and on television, chants of threats could be heard, directed at Khamenei’s killers.
Ali Khamenei’s Funeral Rites Continued to 5th
Mourners remained at the Grand Mosallah up to Sunday, 5th July. Owing to the extreme heat, there was a cooling system set at the rooftop. The cool moisture from above kept the mourners comfortable.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s body was set to be moved from the Grand Mosallah last evening; 5th.
For the success of Ayatollah Ali’s funeral, the authorities will feed the mourners and offer accommodation and transport.
Ayatollah’s Funeral Rites Continue in Tehran and Qom
Today and tomorrow, the late Ayatollah’s funeral rites take the form of processions. These will take place in Iran’s capital Tehran, and the city of Qom.
Then, the week-long funeral ceremony will culminate in the Ayatollah’s burial in Mashhad City on 9th. He will be laid to rest at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza. However, it is not yet clear where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s deceased relatives will be buried.
Meanwhile, several foreign states are mourning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in solidarity with Iran. However, nothing has been said about Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son, and the current Supreme Leader.
He was among those injured during the missile strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Notably, the statements attributed to him during the Iran war were read on his behalf, without him appearing on camera.
For now, if this weekend turnout is anything to go by, Iranians are determined to honor Ayatollah Khamenei in throngs.