US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iran entered a period of national mourning on Sunday as thousands gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremony marked the beginning of several days of official funeral events that will continue across Iran and Iraq before his burial in Mashhad on July 9. The procession unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, with Tehran strongly condemning recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump.
As mourners filled the streets of the Iranian capital, authorities also released the complete schedule for the remaining funeral ceremonies.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: ‘Kill Trump’ and “There will be blood” Poster Seen in Procession
Large crowds carrying flags, portraits of Ali Khamenei and religious banners filled the streets of Tehran throughout the day.
As the mourners march, fierce anger directs the crowd. Al Jazeera observed that attendees openly carried banners bearing the words “Kill Trump” at the procession. The banner also shows a bullet running through the word Trump. Others in the crowd aggressively wave placards showing images of US Vice President JD Vance, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, heavily stamped with the words “There will be blood”.
This fierce public reaction stems directly from a recent provocation. Iran forcefully condemned Donald Trump after the US President claimed Washington could wipe out the country’s senior leadership “in one shot” during the funeral gathering. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia immediately fired back on X, defending the late leader and accusing the United States of lacking “civilisation, history, or honour”.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: How Did the Funeral Procession Begin in Tehran?
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), said the funeral procession began in Tehran with large numbers of mourners gathering to pay their final respects.
“The funeral procession for the revered body of the martyred Imam and leader began a few moments ago in the capital,” IRIB posted on Telegram, adding that it was attended by a “massive crowd” of mourners.
According to Iranian media, Khamenei’s body had remained in state for two days before the public procession started.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What Route Will the Funeral Procession Follow?
Iran’s Press TV reported that the funeral procession began from Tehran’s Grand Mosalla mosque and would continue through several major roads across the capital.
“Organisers expect the procession to last 10 to 12 hours, winding along a 10-kilometre [6.2-mile] route through Damavand Street, Imam Hussein Square, Enqelab Street, Enqelab Square, Azadi Street, Azadi Square, and Shahid Lashgari Highway, located near the Mehrabad airport,” the report said.
Authorities deployed security personnel across the route as thousands of people joined the procession.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What Is the Official Funeral Schedule for Ali Khamenei?
Iranian officials have planned several days of ceremonies before Khamenei’s final burial.
- July 7: Prayers and a possible funeral procession will be held at the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom.
- July 8: Khamenei’s body will be taken to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq for official ceremonies before returning to Iran.
- July 9: He will be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace and one of Shiite Islam’s holiest sites.
Press TV reported that the burial would take place according to Khamenei’s wishes.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: How Did Iran Respond to Donald Trump’s Remarks?
The funeral ceremonies also became the backdrop for a fresh diplomatic dispute between Tehran and Washington. Iran strongly criticised US President Donald Trump following his comments suggesting that Washington could eliminate Iran’s senior leadership gathered at the funeral “in one shot.”
The Iranian Embassy in Armenia responded through a statement posted on X, accusing the United States of lacking “civilisation, history, or honour.”
Iranian officials described the remarks as unacceptable and said they reflected growing tensions between the two countries.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: How Do Regional Tensions Continue Beyond Iran?
The funeral takes place as instability continues across the wider Middle East.
In neighbouring Lebanon, Israeli military operations have continued despite a reduction in the overall number of attacks since mid-June. Reports indicate that air strikes, drone attacks, artillery shelling and demolitions have continued in villages located near the border.
Many residents remain unable to return to their homes because of ongoing security concerns and damage caused by the conflict.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Why Does the Funeral Hold Regional Significance?
The death and funeral of Ali Khamenei mark a significant moment for Iran and the broader Middle East. Beyond its religious importance, the event has become a focal point for regional diplomacy, security concerns and political messaging at a time when tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States remain high.
With official ceremonies continuing over the next several days in Iran and Iraq, governments across the region will closely watch both the public response inside Iran and any diplomatic developments that emerge following the funeral.
