Millions gather in Tehran for funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes

Jul 3, 2026

Iran has commenced a dayslong state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed alongside family members in joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. The regime expects millions of mourners to attend the processions across Iran and Iraq, framing the turnout as a referendum of support. Amid warnings from Iranian commanders against foreign strikes during the ceremonies, Oman has agreed to work with Britain and France to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei funeral arrangements

▪Iran began several days of public mourning and prepared for a dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei starting July 4, 2026.
▪Iranian officials expect the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to draw millions of mourners, with some officials claiming it could draw 20 million.
▪The body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be displayed at Tehran's Grand Mosalla before being transported to Qom, Iraq, and finally buried in Mashhad.

US-Israeli strikes killing Khamenei

▪The joint United States and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, also killed several members of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's family.
▪Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, in joint United States and Israeli airstrikes on his home.

Iranian regime political messaging

▪Iranian officials and state media promoted the massive funeral turnout as a public referendum of support for the Islamic Republic.
▪General Ahmad Vahidi, leader of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, made his first public appearance since February 8, 2026, at the funeral services.

Regional security warnings

▪Iran's military command warned of harsh retaliation if enemies launch strikes during the dayslong funeral ceremonies.
▪Iran's joint military command and commander Ali Abdollahi warned Donald Trump and Israel to avoid any miscalculation or strikes during the state funeral.

Foreign delegation attendance

▪Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf met with the arriving foreign delegations.
▪Foreign dignitaries and delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, India, and Armenia arrived in Tehran to pay respects.

Strait of Hormuz navigation agreement

▪Britain and France declared readiness to deploy a wider multinational military mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
▪Oman agreed to work with Britain and France to ensure its sovereign territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz remain safe for navigation.