Funeral Ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei Begin in Tehran

The funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have commenced in Tehran, drawing thousands of mourners. The poignant sight of his granddaughter's coffin alongside his has deeply affected attendees. The ceremonies will continue for six days, with plans for processions in Iraq before his final resting place in Mashhad. This event marks a significant moment of mourning for the nation as they honor their late Supreme Leader and his family members lost in recent conflicts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 13:07 IST

Honoring the Late Supreme Leader

Tehran: The six-day funeral rites for the deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commenced on Friday, nearly four months after his passing due to US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran on February 28. His remains are being displayed at the Grand Mosalla in the capital city of Iran. As thousands gathered to pay their respects, a particularly poignant moment was marked by the presence of his 14-month-old granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, whose small coffin was placed next to Khamenei's. This heart-wrenching sight prompted many mourners to pause in reflection as they walked past. A framed photo of the infant accompanied her coffin. Tragically, she was among several family members of Khamenei who lost their lives in the airstrike on the first day of the conflict.

During the ceremonies, attendees also honored Khamenei's son-in-law, his eldest daughter, and the spouse of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Earlier this week, Iran’s Embassy in India expressed condolences for the loss of Khamenei’s granddaughter, referring to her as 'Martyr Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, the young granddaughter of Ayatollah Khamenei, who was blessed with martyrdom alongside him.'

Khamenei’s coffin was situated at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was visibly emotional while paying his respects. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also Iran's chief negotiator, was seen in tears before the coffin. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stood beside him in solidarity.

On Tuesday, the ceremonies will transition to Qom, where a senior Shia cleric is scheduled to lead funeral prayers at the Jamkaran mosque. Following this, Khamenei's body will be transported to Najaf in Iraq on Wednesday, with processions planned at the shrine of Imam Ali before proceeding to Karbala. The final resting place for the former Supreme Leader will be in Mashhad, his birthplace, at the Imam Reza Shrine on Thursday.