Tehran: The nation of Iran has come together in a profound display of unity and mourning as millions of people gathered to pay their last respects to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution. The funeral ceremony commenced on Monday morning, 6 July 2026, in Tehran, where the bodies of Ayatollah Khamenei and his family members were carried through the streets in a solemn procession.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the mass turnout reflects the deep respect and reverence the Iranian populace holds for the late Ayatollah. Marking the beginning of a significant journey, the procession is scheduled to continue to Qom on Tuesday. Subsequently, it will pass through the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday, before concluding in Mashhad on Thursday. In Mashhad, the bodies will be interred at the revered holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), a site of great significance to the Shia Muslim community.

The extensive itinerary of the funeral procession underscores the influence and impact of Ayatollah Khamenei's leadership, not just within Iran but across the broader region. The participation of mourners from different parts of the country and beyond signifies a collective homage to a leader who has been a pivotal figure in Iran's contemporary history.