Iran Begins Massive Public Farewell Ceremony For Ayatollah Ali Khamenei In Tehran

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Iran has started a major public farewell ceremony for late former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several months after he was killed during the opening day of the United States-Israel conflict with Iran. The ceremony began in Tehranon on Saturday, July 4, allowing members of the public to pay their final respects to one of the most powerful figures in Iran’s modern political and religious history.

According to Bernama-dpa, the tribute ceremony is scheduled to take place for three days in Iran’s capital before Khamenei’s remains are taken to the pilgrimage city of Qom and later to Iraq. The former Supreme Leader is then expected to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.

Khamenei died at the age of 86 after a targeted airstrike hit his official residence in Tehran on February 28. His death marked a major turning point in the conflict and was followed by more than five weeks of fighting involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The confrontation also drew in Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, before representatives from Washington and Tehran reached a ceasefire agreement in early April.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei held the highest political and religious authority in Iran. He had the final say on major strategic decisions, including national security, foreign policy, military direction and key state matters. His death created a significant leadership moment for Iran, especially as the country faced the aftermath of war and heightened regional tensions.

Public attention is now focused on Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, who was appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader about a week after his father’s death. His possible appearance at the funeral ceremonies is being closely watched by observers because he has not made any public appearance since taking over the top leadership role.

Mojtaba reportedly suffered injuries in the same strike that killed his father. His absence from public view has sparked speculation over his health condition and raised questions about how Iran’s new leadership is managing the transition during a sensitive period.

The large-scale tribute for Khamenei is expected to carry both religious and political significance. For supporters, the ceremony serves as a moment of national mourning and loyalty to Iran’s former Supreme Leader. For political observers, it is also a sign of how the Iranian establishment is trying to project unity and continuity after the loss of a central figure in the country’s power structure.

The movement of Khamenei’s remains from Tehran to Qom, Iraq and finally Mashhad also reflects the religious symbolism attached to the ceremony. Qom is one of Iran’s most important centres of Shia scholarship, while Mashhad is home to the shrine of Imam Reza and holds deep religious importance for Iranian Shiites.