Iran Begins Week-Long State Funeral for Slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran has launched a week-long series of state funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body is lying in state in Tehran as thousands of mourners, government officials, religious leaders, and foreign dignitaries gather to pay their respects.

The funeral marks one of the largest public events in recent Iranian history. Authorities have planned memorial processions and religious ceremonies across several key cities, including Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Kerbala, and Mashhad, where Khamenei is scheduled to be buried.

The ceremony comes during a period of heightened political and regional tension. Security has been significantly increased across Tehran, with police and military forces deployed around major roads and public gathering areas. Iranian officials have also warned against any attempts to disrupt the funeral events.

State leaders, senior clerics, and international representatives attended the opening ceremonies, while large crowds gathered to mourn, pray, and participate in traditional Shi'ite memorial rituals. Black mourning banners and religious symbols have been displayed throughout the capital as part of the nationwide observances.

Officials hope the week-long funeral will draw millions of participants from across Iran and neighboring countries. Hotels, schools, mosques, and public facilities have been prepared to accommodate visitors traveling to attend the ceremonies.

Following the main procession in Tehran, Khamenei's remains are scheduled to travel to the religious centers of Qom, Najaf, and Kerbala before the final burial in Mashhad, home to one of Iran's most significant Shi'ite pilgrimage sites.

The funeral is being closely watched internationally, as Iran enters a new chapter of leadership while facing ongoing economic challenges, domestic political divisions, and complex regional security concerns.