Massive Crowds Gather for Khamenei’s Six-Day Funeral

The update

Massive crowds have gathered in Tehran for the first day of a six-day state funeral for Iran’s assassinated Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. His body is lying in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, where it will remain until Monday. Authorities expect 15 to 20 million people to attend ceremonies across Iran and Iraq over the coming days. The event is taking place more than four months after Khamenei was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes. Central Tehran is under lockdown as the procession begins.

Why it matters

This funeral is a critical public display of power and mourning. It signals the future direction of the Islamic Republic. The scale of the turnout, with millions expected, underscores the regime’s grip on the streets. The chants against the US and calls for revenge highlight the deep-seated tensions that will likely shape Iran’s foreign policy in the coming weeks.

What to watch

Watch for the body’s journey across Iran and into Iraq. Monitor the security measures in place for the large crowds. Observe the slogans and rhetoric used by officials and mourners to gauge the regime’s internal unity.

Sources

• BBC — Crowd size, body lying in state, security measures, and timeline.
• Al Jazeera — Visual confirmation of the procession and attendance.