Iran is preparing for a massive state funeral for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities declaring a three-day national holiday from July 4 to July 6, 2026. Officials expect millions of mourners to attend the ceremonies in Tehran, according to reports from AFP.
How is Iran organizing the funeral ceremonies?
The government has designated the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, also known as the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, as the primary site for the funeral rites. According to Hassan Hassanzadeh, a commander with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) overseeing the event, the farewell prayers are scheduled for July 4 and 5, followed by the main funeral on July 6.
Tehran will observe holidays on July 4 and 5, while the entire country will join the observance on July 6. Preparations are currently underway at the Grand Mosalla, where workers have been seen installing large portraits of the late Ayatollah and reinforcing structures with heavy machinery, as reported by state media.
Officials expect 15 million to 20 million mourners to attend.
Where will the final interment take place?
Following the ceremonies in Tehran, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei will be transported to several locations. According to reports, the procession will move through the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq on July 8 before returning to Iran. A separate memorial is scheduled for July 7 in the holy city of Qom. The final burial is set for July 9 in Mashhad, the Ayatollah’s birthplace.
Will the current leadership attend the funeral?
The attendance of Mojtaba Khamenei, who is the son of the late Ayatollah, remains unconfirmed. Mojtaba, who sustained injuries during an attack, has not appeared in public since he was appointed. When asked about his potential appearance, official sources stated that any such program would be announced through the Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, according to comments cited by AFP.
What is the impact on local infrastructure?
The scale of the funeral preparations has already begun to disrupt daily life in Tehran. Journalists on the ground report that several lanes on major city arteries have been closed to accommodate construction and security, leading to significant traffic congestion. Police presence has also been increased significantly around the Grand Mosalla complex to manage the anticipated influx of millions of visitors.
If you are traveling in or near Tehran during the first week of July, expect significant delays and limited access to public transportation due to the national holidays and large-scale security cordons.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the national holiday in Iran? The national holiday is set for July 4–6, 2026, though specific cities may observe additional memorial dates.
- Where will Ayatollah Khamenei be buried? He will be laid to rest in his birthplace, the holy city of Mashhad, on July 9.
- Is the funeral open to the public? Yes, officials have stated the ceremonies at the Grand Mosalla are open for public attendance.
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