Massive Funeral in Tehran: Millions Gather for Former Iranian Leader

Sun Sep 06 2026 15:54:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Crowds swarm Tehran to mourn former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, with six days of ceremonies and tense political vibes.

A grand funeral march has begun in Tehran as millions gathered to mourn Iran's former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who died in a joint US‑Israeli strike. The state‑led event spans six days, covering locations across Iran and nearby Iraq, culminating in a burial in his hometown of Mashhad. Authorities in the region have warned international media against broadcasting coverage from inside the country’s capitals, adding to the charged atmosphere.

Massive Funeral in Tehran for Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran’s capital, Tehran, has become a sea of candles and flags today, as thousands of followers of the Islamic Republic gathered to pay their respects to former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US‑Israeli airstrike at the start of the war.

The funeral will take place over six days, engaging sites throughout Iran and extending into neighboring Iraq. On Thursday, Khamenei is expected to be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad.

Television cameras are struggling to capture the scene, and BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet reports from Tehran under a strict agreement that prohibits releasing footage to the BBC's Persian service. This restriction is part of a broader restriction on all international media trying to navigate the tense political climate in Iran.

While the funeral proceeds, the country’s political and religious leaders appear to be on high alert, hoping the event remains a moment of national unity rather than further sparks in already fraught regional dynamics. The ceremonies will offer a unique glimpse into how Iran navigates grief and power in a politically charged era.