Il corpo dell'ex leader supremo iraniano arriva al complesso religioso di Teheran per il funerale

The body of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, arrived at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran on Friday, marking the beginning of a grand funeral procession that is expected to become the largest state funeral in the country’s history. The event comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States following a preliminary agreement to halt the ongoing Middle East war. Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, at the age of 86, was a revered spiritual figure among Shia Muslims and played a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s political landscape over several decades.

The arrival of Khamenei’s body at the Grand Mosalla, one of the most significant religious sites in Iran, was accompanied by a solemn atmosphere. Photos captured mourners carrying his coffin, adorned with Iran’s national tricolor flag, into the complex. The venue was decorated with red flowers and white butterflies, symbolizing mourning and remembrance. In addition to Khamenei’s body, the remains of his deceased family members were also brought to the site, further emphasizing the emotional weight of the occasion.

Tehran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also serves as the head of Iran’s parliament, urged the public to participate in the funeral to "write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran" and to ensure that the "nation’s call for vengeance rings in the ears of the whole world." His appeal underscored the deep sense of loss and anger felt by many Iranians, who view Khamenei’s assassination as a catalyst for the recent regional conflict. Ghalibaf emphasized that the funeral would be "one of the most significant moments" in Iran’s modern history, reflecting both the magnitude of the event and its symbolic importance.

In preparation for the funeral, workers at the Grand Mosalla were engaged in extensive efforts to create a fitting tribute for their departed leader. They planted flowers and maintained the grounds, despite the high temperatures. One worker, identified as Hossein Moghadassi, stated that millions of people from across Iran would gather for the ceremonies. He noted that the event would attract a vast crowd, with the potential for up to 15 to 20 million attendees, making it the largest such gathering in the country’s history.

The funeral arrangements include a series of public holidays in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, where subsequent stages of the funeral and burial will take place. Authorities have mandated the closure of public and private offices in Tehran from Saturday through Monday, and traffic restrictions will limit access to much of the city center for private vehicles. Additionally, the airspace above Tehran will be partially restricted on Friday and completely closed on Monday to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the ceremonies.

Following the events in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be transported to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, where he will be honored before being buried on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba, will attend the main ceremony in Tehran, as he has remained largely absent from public life since assuming leadership.

International attention is also focused on the funeral, with representatives from approximately 30 countries expected to attend. Neighboring nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are anticipated to send delegations, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed to participate. China and other regional powers in the Caucasus are also expected to contribute to the international presence at the event. This global participation highlights the significance of Khamenei’s legacy and the impact of his death on both domestic and international affairs.