Iran bids farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as thousands gather in Tehran

Before the sun rose, people in black and carrying Iranian flags came from all over the country to pay tribute to the leader who led the Islamic Republic for nearly four decades.

Capital in Mourning
Pictures from the scene showed Khamenei's coffin, draped in flags, on a raised platform, with people standing in silence, praying and shouting religious slogans. Men, women, and families filled the prayer grounds and surrounding streets. Volunteers marshalled the massive turnout, and security was tight in central Tehran. Authorities say they expect millions to participate in the coming days.

A Week of Farewell
The ceremony in Tehran on Saturday is the first step in a multi-day procession. 

The procession will then travel to the holy city of Qom and then to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, officials said. The final burial will be held on July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown in northeast Iran.

The government has announced a period of national mourning and made elaborate arrangements for transport, medical aid, and crowd management along the route.

World Leaders to Attend
The funeral attracted attention from all over the world. Iranian officials said delegations from several countries will attend state ceremonies in Tehran this week. Analysts called it one of Iran’s largest state events in recent years and highlighted Khamenei’s dominant role in charting the country’s political and religious direction since 1989.

“An End of an Era”
For many Iranians, the next few days are about more than state protocol. These are very personal and historic moments.

Supporters remembered Khamenei’s leadership through war, sanctions and regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Iran’s succession and future course are now under global scrutiny.

The processions continue to Mashhad, and the Iranians say their good-byes, with Tehran remaining the focal point as the world watches to see what happens next.