Iran has begun preparations for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history. Officials estimate that between 12 million and 20 million people could participate in the two-day farewell in Tehran on July 4 and 5.
The funeral has also drawn international attention. India has confirmed that Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will represent the country at the ceremony, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has conveyed condolences to Iran.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that, in an unannounced development, the coffin carrying Khamenei’s body was taken to the site where he was killed. The broadcaster described it as a visit to the location of his “martyrdom”.
According to the Iranian government, Guterres spoke with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and expressed condolences over Khamenei’s death. The conversation also covered regional and international developments, the Strait of Hormuz, the Lebanon ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic talks.
Tehran readies unprecedented security and logistics for funeral
Authorities have announced elaborate arrangements for the public farewell and funeral procession.
According to Press TV, Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)’s Tehran Command and head of the funeral headquarters, said the public farewell will begin at 6 am local time on July 4 at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Grounds.
The venue will remain open until 8 pm, while funeral prayers are scheduled for the morning of July 5.
Officials have planned separate venues for the farewell ceremony and the funeral procession after concluding that no single road in Tehran could safely accommodate the expected turnout.
The procession will instead move through a broader corridor across the capital. Vehicle movement will be restricted in the ceremony zone to facilitate pedestrian access.
Authorities have also prepared designated areas for Khamenei’s family, while an elevated platform has been installed to improve visibility across the prayer grounds.
Public services mobilised as millions expected
Hassanzadeh said government agencies, municipal authorities, healthcare providers, military units, law enforcement bodies and cultural organisations had been mobilised for the event.
Tehran’s metro system and city bus network will operate at full capacity to transport mourners. Traffic-control zones have also been established at key entry points into the capital.
Five service centres will provide drinking water, food, medical care, sanitation facilities and prayer areas for participants.
Officials said planning has been based on maximum-capacity scenarios, with attendance estimates ranging between 12 million and 15 million people. Some projections suggest the gathering could reach as many as 20 million.
Tributes continue worldwide
Iran’s embassy in Ghana shared a tribute recalling Khamenei’s 2016 meeting with then-Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
“He didn’t talk about oil deals or trade memorandums. He talked about what was happening to Africa,” the embassy wrote on X.
The embassy also recalled Khamenei’s view that Africa should be regarded “not as a problem to manage. Not as a market. As a place full of dignified nations that deserve to stand on their own.”
It concluded its tribute by saying: “Iran buries its martyred Imam this week. But his words remain standing.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father’s funeral ceremonies because of security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the current leader’s representative in India. Elahi cited Israeli threats and surveillance risks as the reason for the decision.
Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28 this year. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.