MASHHAD, Iran: The Khamenei funeral drew some of the largest crowds recorded for a modern political farewell before Iran’s late Supreme Leader was buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
State media said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried in his birthplace after a week of funeral processions across Iran and Iraq. The ceremonies moved through Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Karbala and Mashhad.
The public mourning events drew more than 15 million people. Iranian estimates placed the total figure even higher.
According to Iranian state media, around 43 million people participated in the six-day funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Millions !!
Ayatollah Khamenei's burial ceremony has begun – the largest funeral ceremony ever recorded. The message is loud and clear: Khamenei was the most loved soul on the planet. pic.twitter.com/Hc1AlrIqpq
— Dr Tariq Tramboo (@tariqtramboo) July 9, 2026State media described it as “the largest funeral procession ever witnessed.” Tens of thousands first gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, where Khamenei’s coffin was placed on display.
Delegations from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and the Houthis also attended the ceremony. The procession later moved through Tehran toward Azadi Square.
At least 12 million people filled the capital’s streets as the coffin travelled along a 10km route.
Hundreds of thousands then gathered in Qom before the coffin was flown to Iraq. Mourners later attended processions in Najaf and Karbala, two of Shia Islam’s most important cities.
Khamenei’s body arrived in Mashhad for the final procession before burial. Crowds reportedly became so dense near the shrine that authorities moved the coffin by helicopter to the Imam Reza complex.
The scale placed the farewell alongside major historical funerals, including the 1969 funeral of Indian leader C.N. Annadurai and the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Read: Iran Turns Khamenei Funeral into Show of Power
The ceremonies also drew attention because Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son and reported successor, did not appear publicly during the funeral events. Khamenei’s funeral had initially been expected earlier in the year. It was delayed after Iran entered the war following the strike that killed him.
