15 million expected to attend former Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's funeral

Mourners gathered in a sprawling prayer complex in Tehran on Saturday as the week‑long funeral rites for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commenced. The proceedings began with the Iranian national anthem, followed by religious eulogies and readings from the Qur’an, setting a solemn tone for the days ahead.

According to Iranian authorities, an estimated 15 million people are expected to attend the ceremonies. FRANCE 24 correspondent Reza Sayah reported from the capital that the funeral will also be observed in neighbouring Iraq, underscoring the regional significance of the event.

The week‑long rites will mark a pivotal moment in Iran’s recent history, drawing massive crowds across the country and beyond as the nation pays tribute to a leader whose influence shaped its political and religious landscape.