Khamenei's funeral becomes Iran's biggest show of strength since the war

Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered across Iran as the country held state funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death marks the end of nearly four decades at the helm of the Islamic Republic.

The week-long ceremonies come amid a fragile ceasefire following months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Khamenei scheduled to be buried in Mashhad on July 9.

The funeral has drawn senior Iranian leaders, military commanders, religious figures and delegations from several countries. Processions have been held in multiple cities before the final burial at the Imam Reza Shrine.

Khamenei died on February 28, 2026, at the age of 86 after a joint US-Israeli airstrike targeted his compound in Tehran during the opening phase of the military campaign against Iran. Iranian authorities confirmed his death a day later, marking the end of his nearly 37-year tenure as the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader.

He served as Iran's Supreme Leader from 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During his tenure, he shaped Iran's foreign policy, expanded its regional influence through allied groups across West Asia, oversaw the country's nuclear programme and remained the country's highest political and religious authority.

His death comes at a critical moment for Iran following months of military confrontation with Israel and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Although a ceasefire is currently in place, tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear programme continue.

Authorities have declared several days of national mourning, while millions have been participating in public processions across the country. State media has described the funeral as one of the largest public gatherings since the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

The funeral also marks the beginning of a new political chapter, with Iran's Assembly of Experts having confirmed Khamenei's successor as the country's next Supreme Leader, ensuring continuity in the Islamic Republic's leadership.