Iran Prepares Multitude for Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral Amid Political Spectacle

Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being prepared for burial following a grand, multi-day funeral. This ceremony will highlight both religious and political elements. Khamenei died with family members during U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.

This is only the second time Iran has buried a Supreme Leader. The first occurred in 1989 for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, attracting millions to Tehran. The city’s mayor, Alireza Zakani, expects up to 20 million attendees for Khamenei’s funeral.

“They would like to portray it as a signal of the Islamic Republic’s strength, ability to resist outside pressure, resilience…”

Sina Azodi from George Washington University notes that the funeral allows supporters to demonstrate loyalty. The event will begin with Khamenei’s coffin display and prayers over the weekend at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. A procession through the capital will occur on Monday. Events are scheduled in Qom, Iran, and Iraq, showcasing Iranian influence.

Khamenei will be buried Thursday in his hometown, Mashhad, home to a prominent Shiite shrine. Traditionally, funerals happen quickly, as Khomeini’s did. However, Khamenei’s funeral occurs four months post-mortem, during unstable peace negotiations with the U.S.

The U.S. attacks claimed several high-ranking officials, leaving political uncertainty. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, wounded in the attack, succeeded him in March but has been publicly absent, causing speculation about his health.

Khamenei’s image continues to dominate Tehran, characterizing him and Khomeini as martyrs. During his rule, Khamenei enhanced the power of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Analysts report the war has cultivated aggressive IRGC factions. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, now speaker of the parliament, represents this shift, challenging former President Donald Trump through social media. Ghalibaf recently stated the need to showcase Iran’s resolve against oppression.

The funeral represents a chance for these hardliners to defy Trump’s actions and suppress internal dissent. Anticipated crowd sizes will counteract the January protests, which saw the largest internal challenge since Iran’s regime began 47 years ago.

Security will be crucial during the funeral. Khomeini’s chaotic funeral in 1989 resulted in casualties and injuries. Militant threats also persist, as shown by the 2024 attack on a Soleimani memorial in Kerman. The Iran leadership must consider post-funeral uncertainties. Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group highlights Khamenei’s steadfast resistance against external foes but identifies weakened internal political structures.