04.07.2026 21:20
The funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, expected to be attended by millions, has become a global topic of discussion due to both the massive turnout and the political messages conveyed. During the ceremony, where anti-US and anti-Israel slogans were raised, the fact that the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear in public led to various interpretations. Whether Mojtaba Khamenei will appear before the public for the first time at the burial ceremony on July 9 remains a subject of curiosity.
Tens of thousands of people attended the public portion of the state funeral ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who lost his life in US and Israeli attacks, in Iran's capital Tehran. Crowds filling Imam Khomeini Musalla Mosque chanted 'Death to America' and 'Down with Israel,' as the ceremonies were closely followed both domestically and internationally.
IRAN EXPECTS MILLIONS TO ATTEND
According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, more than 10 million people are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies in Tehran alone.
Iranian officials, however, anticipate a total of 20 to 30 million participants across the six-day ceremonies to be held in Iran and Iraq between July 4-9.
As part of the ceremony program, after the body is taken to important Shia centers such as Qom, Najaf, and Karbala, it is planned to be laid to rest in the city of Mashhad on July 9.
'THE DARK DAY HAS COME FOR AMERICA'
Harsh statements targeting the US and Israel stood out in the elegies recited and speeches made at the Musalla Mosque. One of the elegies recited during the ceremony included the following statements:
'Tell them the dark day has come for America. The Persian Gulf will become America's graveyard.'
Crowds frequently chanted 'Death to America,' 'Death to Israel,' and 'Revenge,' while flags of Iran as well as banners symbolizing resistance groups were carried during the ceremony.
MOJTABA KHAMENEI DID NOT APPEAR
One of the most notable details of the ceremonies was that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not appear in public. Mojtaba Khamenei, who is rumored to have been injured in the US and Israeli attacks, was not seen on the first day of the funeral ceremonies.
According to Reuters, it is assessed that the new leader did not appear in public due to his health condition and security reasons.
EYES ON THE BURIAL CEREMONY ON JULY 9
International public attention is now focused on the burial ceremony to be held in Mashhad on July 9. Political observers are closely watching whether Mojtaba Khamenei will appear before the public for the first time to bid his father a final farewell.
A possible attendance is considered to be the first strong political message the new leader could deliver to the public.