A sea of people and the highest dignitaries of the Islamic Republic gathered at the Great Mosque of Tehran for the second day of the national funeral of the former supreme leader.

A national tribute four months after the conflict

Four months after the end of hostilities and following a diplomatic agreement between Tehran and Washington, Iran paid a final tribute to Ali Khamenei. The former supreme leader was killed in late February in targeted airstrikes carried out by an Israeli-American coalition.

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the body of Ali Khamenei — along with the coffins of several members of his family killed in the same attack — were displayed in the heart of the capital for a moment of national mourning massively broadcast by official media.

The regime united around the act of remembrance

The funeral prayer, led by Grand Ayatollah Ja'far Sobhani (97 years old), brought together the highest levels of the Iranian state:

1. Massoud Pezeshkian , President of the Republic.
2. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf , Speaker of Parliament.
3. Numerous military, political and religious leaders.

A notable absence: While three of the former leader's sons (Massoud, Mostaga, and Meysam) were present, Mojtaba Khamenei , widely expected to succeed his father, did not appear in public. He had been wounded during the conflict.

Exceptional measures to cope with the crowds and the heat

Authorities are expecting record attendance, estimated at between 15 and 20 million people over the three days of ceremonies. To cope with this extraordinary logistical undertaking and the heatwave:

1. The Iranian Red Crescent has deployed more than 400 relief tents.
2. Refreshment and water distribution points have been installed throughout the city.
3. A maximum security perimeter has been declared, resulting in the suspension of commercial activities in the affected areas.

A long funeral journey leading up to the burial

The funeral arrangements will take place over several days and will cross two countries:

1. Monday: Solemn procession in the streets of Tehran.
2. Next step: Transfer of the remains to the holy city of Qom .
3. Procession in Iraq: Passing through the Shiite holy sites of Najaf and Karbala .
4. Thursday: Return to Iran for the final burial in Mashhad .