The Ali Khamenei funeral commenced in Tehran on Monday with one of the largest state processions witnessed in Iran in recent years. Thousands of mourners gathered across the capital as the coffin of the former Supreme Leader was taken from the Grand Mosalla Mosque through a 10-kilometre route under extensive security arrangements.

According to Iranian authorities, the funeral procession is expected to continue for up to 10 hours before the body is flown to the holy city of Qom for religious ceremonies and final burial. Senior political leaders, military commanders and religious figures attended the state funeral alongside members of Khamenei's family.

Heavy Security Deployed

Authorities imposed elaborate security measures across Tehran to manage the large public gathering and ensure the smooth conduct of the funeral. Police personnel, emergency services and volunteers were stationed along the procession route, while Tehran's airspace remained temporarily closed to facilitate official ceremonies.

Officials also deployed nearly 200 buses to transport mourners and visiting delegations arriving from different parts of Iran and abroad. Medical teams and fire brigade personnel remained on standby throughout the event as temperatures crossed 30 degrees Celsius.

Crowds Fill Capital

Thousands of people assembled from the early hours of Monday at Imam Hossein Square and other major locations along the funeral route. Many carried Iranian flags, religious banners and portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while participating in funeral prayers and the public procession.

Volunteers distributed drinking water, cold beverages and fruit to mourners, while emergency responders sprayed water to provide relief from the intense summer heat. Iranian officials described the gathering as one of the country's largest public ceremonies in recent years.

Political Reactions Continue

The funeral took place amid continuing regional and international attention following recent developments in West Asia.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States had the capability to target Iran's leadership but chose not to do so in order to keep diplomatic channels open. In response, Iran's embassy in Armenia strongly criticised the remarks, saying that ideas could not be eliminated through force.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the funeral as a renewed commitment to carry forward Khamenei's legacy, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country would continue strengthening its strategic position during the current ceasefire period.

Regional Tensions Persist

The funeral also unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Iran's military said it was using the ceasefire period to reinforce operational preparedness, warning that any future military action against the country would receive what it described as a decisive response. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations reportedly continued in parts of southern Lebanon, while diplomatic discussions among regional powers focused on broader security concerns.

Energy markets also remained in focus after OPEC+ announced another increase in oil production, signalling efforts to stabilise global crude supplies following recent volatility.