What to Expect from the Days-Long Funeral of Iran's Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Funeral Arrangements for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Dubai: Following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, a multi-day funeral and burial for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to take place.

During this mourning period, Khamenei's remains will be transported through various cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq. The Iranian government is expected to mobilize public participation, encouraging citizens, state employees, and paramilitary groups to join the processions.

Khamenei, who had been at the helm of Iran for nearly 40 years, was killed on February 28 when the US and Israel initiated military actions. The funeral was postponed due to the ongoing war.

This event will test the resilience of Iran's weakened theocracy and its capacity to rally significant public support, especially in light of the recent crackdown on protests against Khamenei's regime.

A large turnout could also pose risks of dangerous stampedes, reminiscent of the chaos that marred the funeral of Iran's first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

An uneasy ceasefire, along with a temporary agreement with the United States, has likely emboldened the authorities to proceed with the funeral and allow high-ranking officials to attend. Throughout the conflict, Israel has targeted senior Iranian figures, sometimes using public events to track them.

It remains uncertain whether Khamenei's son, the newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, will make a public appearance during the ceremonies. The younger Khamenei, reportedly injured in the attack that claimed his father's life, is believed to be in hiding.

Here’s what you need to know about the funeral scheduled to commence on Saturday in Tehran, Iran's capital.

Details of Khamenei's Funeral Procession

Khamenei's funeral to last for days

Khamenei's body will be displayed at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, it will be paraded through the streets of Tehran before being transported to the Shiite holy city of Qom, located approximately 120 kilometers to the south. The honoring ceremony in Qom will take place on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Khamenei's remains will be taken to Karbala, Iraq, which houses the shrine of Imam Hussein, a significant figure for Shiite Muslims. This day also marks the anniversary of protests against Khamenei's rule, during which many were killed by security forces.

Finally, Khamenei's body will be interred in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city.

Burial at a Sacred Site

Khamenei will be buried at a holy Shiite shrine

Officials have announced that Khamenei will be laid to rest at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Imam Reza is the eighth imam in Shiite Islam, and millions of pilgrims visit this shrine annually. A saying suggests that those who visit will find relief from sorrow or sin.

Numerous prominent Shiite clerics have been buried at this site, including Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2024.

Historical Context of Funerals in Iran

Funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini saw millions mourn

On June 6, 1989, millions of Iranians gathered to pay their respects to Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The situation quickly escalated, with mourners beating their chests in the summer heat, while the cries of women pierced through the crowd.

In the chaos, mourners surged toward the casket, causing the 86-year-old leader's body to fall into the throng. Initial reports indicated that at least eight people lost their lives, with around 11,000 others injured.

There are concerns that a similar stampede could occur during Khamenei's funeral if attendance reaches the millions. The burial of the late Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 also resulted in a stampede, claiming at least 56 lives and injuring over 2,000.

Current Political Climate Amidst the Funeral

The funeral comes as Iran war interim deal is challenged

The interim agreement established in June created a 60-day timeframe to negotiate a final settlement to conclude the Iran war, addressing issues related to Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

Technical discussions commenced in Qatar this week, but they have been complicated by significant disagreements and several days of crossfire between the US and Iran regarding the future of the strait.