Ali Khamenei's Body Lies in State in Tehran as Funeral Begins

Iran has begun a week-long state funeral for its slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners, senior clerics, government officials and foreign dignitaries gathering in Tehran on Friday to pay their final respects.

Khamenei, who led Iran for 37 years, was killed in February in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes at the beginning of a four-month war. His death marked one of the most significant moments in the history of the Islamic Republic.

His body was placed in state inside a large prayer hall in Tehran, where people continued to arrive throughout the day to offer prayers and condolences. The funeral ceremonies are being presented by Iranian authorities as a demonstration of public support for the country's theocratic government.

Week-Long Funeral Processions Planned

Iran has planned a series of funeral events that will continue throughout the week.

According to the schedule, Khamenei's coffin will travel to the holy city of Qom in Iran before ceremonies are held in the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Kerbala. He is expected to be buried on Thursday in Mashhad, home to Iran's holiest pilgrimage shrine.

The burial was delayed because of security concerns during the recent war. Under Islamic tradition, burials are normally carried out within one day of death.

Coffin Displayed Before Thousands of Supporters

Late on Thursday, Khamenei's coffin was unveiled before a large gathering of supporters. Many people were seen crying, beating their chests in mourning and throwing flowers toward the coffin during the ceremony.

On Friday, the coffins of Khamenei and several family members who were killed alongside him were placed inside the main prayer hall built in honor of Iran's first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

A black turban, traditionally worn by clerics claiming descent from the Prophet Mohammed, rested on Khamenei's coffin. It was placed over a folded chequered scarf, a symbol in Iran associated with revolutionary ideals and solidarity with Palestinians.

Funeral Takes Place During a Critical Time for Iran

The funeral comes at an important moment for Iran's leadership.

Iran's clerical rulers, supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), view their survival in the recent war as a major achievement after facing military action from the United States and Israel.

However, despite official messages highlighting national unity, Iran continues to face internal political and economic challenges.

Analysts say public support for the country's clerical leadership has weakened. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is the son of the late leader, has not appeared in any new public images since reportedly being injured in the airstrike that killed his father.

The country has also struggled under years of international sanctions, while repeated nationwide protests have been met with increasing force by security agencies. Thousands of demonstrators were reportedly killed during protests in January.

Despite these challenges, Iranian authorities have organized large-scale funeral events aimed at drawing millions of participants from across the country.

Tight Security Across Tehran

Security was strengthened throughout Tehran for Friday's ceremonies.

Military and police vehicles were stationed along major roads, while members of the Basij volunteer force patrolled the city on motorcycles. Iran also warned the United States and Israel against carrying out any attacks during the funeral period.

When the coffins arrived, they were carried above the hands of mourners before being placed on a white stepped platform inside the prayer hall. National flags and black mourning banners surrounded the ceremonial area.

Foreign Leaders and Regional Allies Attend

Several foreign representatives attended the funeral in Tehran.

Delegations from Russia and China were expected to participate. Senior political figures from Iraq, Armenia and Pakistan also arrived for the ceremony.

Family members of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior commander Imad Mughniyeh, both close allies of Iran who were killed in Israeli strikes, were also present.

Iran's President, Parliament Speaker, Foreign Minister and other senior government officials joined the prayers alongside religious leaders.

Mourning Reflects Shi'ite Traditions

In Iran's political and religious system, the Supreme Leader serves not only as the country's highest political authority but is also regarded as the earthly representative of Shi'ite Islam's 12th Imam.

Khamenei's death in an enemy attack has strengthened the symbolism of martyrdom and mourning that holds deep significance in Shi'ite tradition.

Black mourning flags have been displayed across Iranian cities, recalling the seventh-century martyrdom of Imam Hossein, one of the most important figures in Shi'ite Islam.

During overnight gatherings in central Tehran, crowds cried, prayed and chanted while volunteers distributed posters of the late leader.

Mobina Razaaghi, an 18-year-old student from Isfahan attending the funeral with her classmates, said, "God willing, only by avenging his blood, demanding justice for it, and ensuring that our leader's blood is not left unavenged, can this sorrow of the people be somewhat alleviated."

Family Members Also Killed

Displayed alongside Khamenei's coffin were the coffins of several family members who were killed in the same attack.

They included his daughter, son-in-law, baby granddaughter and the wife of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Funeral Route Continues Across Iran and Iraq

Iran has arranged transportation and accommodation for people expected to attend the ceremonies.

Hotels are offering 50% discounts, while schools, mosques and sports halls have been prepared to accommodate visitors. Bus and rail services have also been adjusted to support the funeral events.

Following a major funeral procession in central Tehran on Monday, Khamenei's remains will be taken to Qom on Tuesday.

Ceremonies will then continue in the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Kerbala on Wednesday with the participation of members of Iran's regional Shi'ite allies.

The funeral will conclude on Thursday with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad near the tomb of Imam Reza, one of the most revered religious sites in Iran.