Hundreds of thousands of grief-stricken citizens filled the prominent Azadi Street in Tehran on Monday, 6 July, to pay their final respects to Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mourners began congregating from various parts of the country before dawn, forming a massive sea of humanity along the funeral route. The sheer scale of the gathering prompted significant logistical arrangements across the capital, as citizens dressed in black carried portraits and chanted traditional hymns.
A heavily guarded truck carrying the casket of the late leader made slow progress through the densely packed streets, navigating the immense crowds. The procession also bore the remains of several of Khamenei’s close family members, who perished alongside him. Among the deceased accompanying him on this final journey were his daughter, his three-year-old granddaughter, his son-in-law, and his daughter-in-law. This collective family loss added a profoundly somber atmosphere to the state funeral, deeply affecting the citizens lining the capital’s thoroughfares.
The Tehran leg of the funeral procession is scheduled to conclude with a major gathering at the historic Azadi Square. Following the ceremonies in the capital, the late leader’s body will be transported across the border to neighbouring Iraq over the coming days. The itinerary includes stops in the historic Shia holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, where traditional Islamic funeral rites and public processions will be held, allowing international devotees to offer their prayers.
Once the spiritual ceremonies in Iraq are completed, the remains will be repatriated to the Islamic Republic of Iran for final interment. In accordance with state plans and religious protocols, the final burial will take place in Mashhad, home to the revered shrine of Imam Reza. The passing of such a central figure marks the end of a significant political era in the Middle East, drawing widespread international attention to Iran’s domestic transitions.
