Huge gatherings have converged across the Iranian capital and major urban centers, bringing urban transit networks to a complete standstill as multi-day state funeral processions get underway for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei. State media and regional security officials estimate that over 20 million people have gathered nationwide to participate in the ceremonies, representing an unprecedented scale of public mobilization. Highlighting the scale of the turnout, Tehran Metro communications director Hadi Zand reported that the capital’s subway network logged millions of passenger trips over the weekend as people traveled to and from the farewell services at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla.
The dense crowds filled central Tehran, stretching from Revolution Square to Azadi Square, as the joint funeral procession for the late Supreme Leader and his martyred family members moved slowly through the capital. Citizens carrying portraits of the leadership and national flags assembled alongside senior political and military figures, as well as international delegations representing numerous foreign nations. The week of memorial ceremonies follows the loss of the leader in military air strikes earlier this year.
To secure the heavy turnout, official departments have implemented strict security protocols, including localized travel restrictions and the immediate grounding of civil aviation routes over the capital. The multi-city route proceeds next from Tehran to the religious centers in Qom, before moving to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, and concluding with the final burial at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
