Mass numbers of Iranians assembled on Saturday to pay final respects to the casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during an elaborate state funeral, commemorating the former supreme leader who shaped Iran’s affairs for decades prior to his death in the U.S.-Israeli conflict earlier this month.
Commencing at dawn, hundreds of thousands of individuals began congregating at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, preparing for a six-day series of public mourning rituals. Millions are anticipated to participate as Khamenei’s body is transported to various cities nationwide, underscoring the profound impact of his legacy.
Observers from The New York Times at the scene reported intense emotion among supporters upon viewing the caskets of Ayatollah Khamenei and his late family members, including his daughter and two grandchildren. The memorialized remains, encased in glass and draped in Iranian national flags, were positioned on a centralized platform with the supreme leader’s coffin emphasized at the forefront.
The somber event occurs amid Iran’s ongoing challenges, marked by earlier widespread protests met with severe governmental repression, followed by months of hostilities with the United States and Israel. Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of Ayatollah Khamenei and other top Iranian figures during the conflict’s initial phase.
While many Iranians honor Khamenei’s memory, others express dissent over the extensive and costly commemorative events. His three-and-a-half-decade tenure was characterized by stringent limitations on dissent and persistent economic mismanagement plagued by systemic corruption.
Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, has taken over as supreme leader, yet his attendance at funeral proceedings remains uncertain given his lack of public appearances since his appointment.
The delayed burial of Ayatollah Khamenei, occurring over four months after his passing, aligns with a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran signed last month. Analysts suggest security concerns deterred early planning of high-profile events featuring senior leaders when potential threats from foreign military action remained credible. Before the public mourning commenced, Iranian-backed delegations and international dignitaries visited the flag-draped casket, as reported by domestic media outlets.
Throughout Saturday, crowds erupted in slogans opposing American and Israeli policies, waving banners advocating retribution and displaying anti-Trump symbolism. Poet Arash Emrani expressed frustration towards U.S. leadership, denouncing the war as morally questionable, reflecting sentiments among many mourners grappling with complex emotions surrounding their leader’s demise.
The New York Times obtained restricted access to funeral proceedings, facilitated by Iranian authorities through controlled tour pathways and translation support. However, perspectives gathered during these events may not reflect broader Iranian public opinion, particularly given constraints on free expression.
Amid sweltering temperatures surpassing 90°F, mosque grounds became increasingly stifling, with medical teams on standby and at least one attendee transported via stretcher. Overhead misting systems and volunteer-provided iced water attempts were implemented to alleviate heat-related discomfort among the dense gathering.
Following a Monday procession in Tehran, Khamenei’s remains will be conveyed to Qom, then to the holy Iraqi cities of Karbala and Najaf, and ultimately interred in his hometown of Mashhad—locations holding profound significance for global Shia Islam.
The Tehran ceremony represents an assertion of national strength, demonstrating the Islamic Republic’s resilience despite international aspirations for its dissolution. Devoted followers of Ayatollah Khamenei have demonstrated unwavering commitment, with some camping overnight to ensure participation in his final rites.
Notably, some conservative clerics have criticized the ceasefire arrangement with the U.S. as capitulation, expressing dissatisfaction through protest banners questioning the absence of retaliatory justice against American adversaries.
