Millions Expected as Iran Holds State Funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

The body of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla ahead of his state funeral, with millions of mourners and dozens of foreign dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony.

Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes during the recent Middle East conflict, was carried into the Grand Mosalla in a coffin draped with Iran's tricolour flag. The venue, one of the country's most significant ceremonial sites, has been decorated with flowers, banners and tributes in preparation for the funeral.

Thousands of mourners dressed in black gathered for the pre-funeral ceremony, paying their respects as the coffin was placed before them. Among those in attendance was Ahmad Vahidi, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, making his first public appearance since the outbreak of the conflict.

The public funeral, which was initially delayed due to the war, comes as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire following a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities.

Several countries have confirmed they will send official delegations to the ceremony. Pakistan announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend, while China, Afghanistan and several neighbouring Caucasus nations are also expected to be represented.

Workers continued final preparations at the Grand Mosalla under tight security as authorities restricted vehicle movement around the venue.

"We are planting flowers and preparing the grounds for the farewell ceremony of our martyred leader," one worker said, expressing confidence that mourners would travel from across Iran to attend the event.

Iran's chief negotiator and Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged citizens to participate in large numbers, describing the funeral as a defining moment in the country's history.

He called on Iranians to honour Khamenei's legacy with a massive turnout, saying the ceremony would send a message to the international community.

Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla for three days. The bodies of several of his slain relatives will also be present during the mourning period.

Officials estimate that between 15 and 20 million people could attend the funeral, potentially making it the largest state funeral in Iran's history.

Public holidays have been declared in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad to accommodate the ceremonies, while government offices and many businesses in the capital will remain closed through Monday. Authorities have also imposed traffic restrictions and announced a phased closure of Tehran's airspace during the funeral events.

Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body is expected to be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before being buried on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace.

Representatives from about 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with pilgrims and mourners continuing to arrive from neighbouring Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.