Iran has completed preparations for the funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with a multi-day state mourning ceremony set to begin on Saturday. Ahead of the funeral, an emotional tribute ceremony was held in Tehran, where senior Iranian leaders paid their final respects.
During the ceremony, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were seen breaking down in tears. A large number of mourners attended the event, including leaders and dignitaries from dozens of countries.
Government calls ceremony a symbol of national unity
The Iranian government has described the funeral as more than a mourning event, calling it a demonstration of national unity, political strength and the country’s resilience in the aftermath of the recent war.
Large banners have been installed across Tehran carrying messages in Arabic, Persian and English, including the slogan ‘We Must Rise.’ The campaign urges citizens to remain united in support of the Islamic Republic.
National flag-draped coffin placed at Grand Mosalla
Khamenei’s coffin, draped in Iran’s national flag, was placed at the Grand Mosalla complex in Tehran.
Alongside his coffin were the coffins of several family members who were killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war. Those who lost their lives included his son-in-law, eldest daughter, 14-month-old granddaughter and the wife of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been named the country’s new Supreme Leader.
Top Iranian leaders become emotional during tribute
An emotional atmosphere prevailed at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla as President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior leaders gathered to pay tribute to Khamenei.
President Pezeshkian, Major General Rezaei and Speaker Ghalibaf seen in tears at Khamenei’s funeral.pic.twitter.com/pQK6ijyLX7
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The country’s top leadership was visibly overcome with grief, with both Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf breaking down in tears during the ceremony.
Mourners gather to touch the coffin
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came when mourners tried to touch Khamenei’s coffin with their scarves and pieces of clothing. In Iran, this gesture is regarded as a symbol of receiving blessings.
Later, the coffin was covered with a red flag bearing the words ‘Ya Hussain.’ The flag is widely regarded as a symbol of resistance against injustice and a pledge to seek justice.
Senior Revolutionary Guard Commander appears in public
Senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander General Ahmad Vahidi also made a rare public appearance during the ceremony after being out of the public eye for several months.
His presence is being viewed as significant, with reports suggesting he is expected to play an important role in shaping Iran’s post-war security strategy and any potential negotiations with the United States. His appearance was also seen as a message of unity within the Iranian leadership.
State mourning to continue for several days
The official mourning period, beginning on Saturday, will continue for several days.
Khamenei’s body will be taken to various cities across Iran as well as neighbouring Iraq, allowing people to pay their final respects. Authorities have also announced that several roads in Tehran will remain closed, airspace restrictions will be in place, and mourning events will be held across the country during the funeral period.
First published on: Jul 04, 2026 08:49 AM IST
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