Martyr Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral draws entire Iran to the streets

Iranian Supreme Leader's advisor Mohsen Rezaei says that the blood of the martyred leader will be avenged. In a statement, the advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader said that Iran is invincible while the Zionist state is heading towards decline. He stated, "Our civilization and our people are invincible." Mohsen Rezaei also warned the Iranian nation to be vigilant regarding internal affairs.

On the other hand, in a conversation with the media, the Iranian Army Chief said that those who martyred the Supreme Leader will not be spared. The Iranian President said, "I promise to continue the mission of the martyred Imam." The head of the Quds Force, Ismail Qaani, said that the martyred Supreme Leader struggled for the people throughout his life. The Iranian Vice President said that it is everyone's responsibility to act on the orders of the martyred Supreme Leader.

On Sunday, the funeral prayer of Ali Khamenei was performed in Tehran, which was attended by a large number of people and the country's top political and military personalities. The funeral prayer was led by 97-year-old Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani. During the funeral, several high-ranking officials, including President Massoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and IRGC Quds Force Commander General Ismail Qaani, were present in the front row.

According to images broadcast by state television, Ali Khamenei's three sons, Massoud, Mostafa, and Meysam, also participated in the funeral prayer. However, 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, who is considered his possible successor, did not attend the ceremony. It is not yet clear whether Mojtaba Khamenei will attend any stage of the six-day funeral ceremonies.

Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since the US and Israeli attack on February 28, in which Ali Khamenei was killed. According to information, Mojtaba Khamenei was also injured in the attack, and since then, only written statements have been issued on his behalf.

A large number of people gathered to attend the funeral prayer at the Great Mosque of Tehran, while the surrounding streets were also filled with mourners. According to the authorities, Ali Khamenei's body will be kept for public viewing until Sunday evening, after which preparations will be made for the funeral procession to be held on Monday in the streets of Tehran.

The Iranian government has announced a public holiday on Sunday and Monday across the country. The authorities say that up to 1.5 to 2 million people are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies in Tehran alone. On Monday, after the funeral procession in Tehran, the coffin will be taken to several cities in Iran and Iraq, while the central burial ceremony will be held on Thursday in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, which is Ali Khamenei's hometown.

Ali Khamenei led Iran for more than three decades. He was 86 years old when he was killed. His final rites were initially scheduled to be performed in March, but they were postponed due to the war. The funeral ceremonies of Ali Khamenei are taking place at a critical juncture when the Iranian leadership is trying to project national unity and public support after internal and external challenges.

These challenges include the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, public protests in early 2026, and the recent US-Israeli war, which is currently under a ceasefire. The Iranian Red Crescent has set up over 400 tents in a large park in Tehran to welcome mourners from across the country. This information was provided by representatives of the French news agency AFP.

Ali Khamenei's coffin was placed for public viewing, along with his black turban. Alongside his coffin, the coffins of four other members of his family were also placed, who were killed along with him in the attack on February 28, the day the war began.