A massive funeral procession for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began on Monday in Tehran, drawing millions of mourners from early morning. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, participants carried national flags and portraits of Khamenei, chanting slogans to pay tribute and express national unity. The event filled major streets, including Azadi Avenue, with men and women of all ages joining in prayer and mourning.

The procession included both civilians and military officials, creating an atmosphere of collective grief and reverence. Following the Tehran ceremony, the schedule announced that funeral and mourning events would continue Tuesday in the holy city of Qom. On Wednesday, special farewell and prayer gatherings are planned in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, with final burial to take place Thursday at Imam Reza’s shrine in Mashhad.

The multi-day observances reflect the scale of national mourning and the significance of Khamenei’s leadership in Iran’s recent history.