Iran is preparing for one of the largest public mourning events in its modern history as authorities announce extensive funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad.
Officials say the farewell events will span three days, with millions of mourners expected to gather from across the country and abroad. Tehran alone is reportedly preparing for crowds of up to 20 million people, highlighting the enormous significance of the occasion for many Iranians.
According to Iranian authorities, the main procession in Tehran could continue for at least 24 hours as security, transportation, and emergency services are placed on high alert to manage the unprecedented turnout.
The farewell ceremonies will also extend to the holy city of Qom and finally conclude in Mashhad, where Ayatollah Khamenei is expected to be buried near the revered Imam Reza shrine — one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam.
Iranian officials have described the upcoming funeral as a historic national moment due to Khamenei’s decades-long influence on the country’s political and religious landscape. Public gatherings, memorial services, and tributes are expected throughout the mourning period.
The large-scale preparations have also sparked comparisons to previous historic funerals in Iran, including the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, which drew millions of mourners from across the nation.
Authorities are continuing logistical preparations as final schedules and procession routes are expected to be formally announced in the coming days.
