Millions of Iranians have begun nationwide ceremonies to honor martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities using the gatherings to stress national unity and continuity. The commemorations also carried strong calls for revenge against the United States and Israel, highlighting the deep political and military tensions that continue to shape the region. Large crowds gathered in Tehran as the country entered several days of official mourning.
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Thousands of mourners arrived at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran from the early hours, where Khamenei’s coffin was placed under heavy security. Guards closely protected the site while visitors paid their respects in organized sections following religious customs. Red flags, widely linked with martyrdom and revenge in Shia tradition, were displayed throughout the venue alongside banners carrying the slogan, “We must rise,” reflecting the government’s message of resilience.
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Meanwhile, emotional chants against America and Israel echoed across metro stations and public gathering points as mourners demanded retaliation for Khamenei’s assassination. Many attendees described him as a martyr whose legacy should continue under the country’s new leadership. Several supporters also expressed confidence in Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed the position shortly after his father’s assassination earlier this year.
Authorities expect around 15 million people to participate in funeral and remembrance ceremonies over the next several days, demonstrating the scale of the national event. Health officials said they established temporary hospitals near the main ceremony venue and placed emergency medical teams on full standby. Additional funeral events are also scheduled in the cities of Qom and Mashhad to accommodate the expected influx of mourners.
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At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reaffirmed its commitment to continue Khamenei’s mission and defend the country’s strategic interests. In a public statement, the force pledged what it called “divine revenge” against the United States and Israel while promising loyalty to Iran’s new leadership. The message underscored Tehran’s determination to maintain its military posture despite growing regional uncertainty following months of conflict.
The commemorations come months after Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 37 years, was martyred in an airstrike at the beginning of the conflict involving the United States and Israel. His death marked one of the most significant moments in Iran’s modern political history and triggered a swift leadership transition. As millions continue to gather across the country, the ceremonies have become both a national farewell and a powerful display of political resolve.