Iran begins Khamenei’s funeral 126 days after assassination

Published July 4, 2026 10:20am ET | Updated July 4, 2026 10:20am ET



Iran launched an elaborate six-day funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, staging a carefully choreographed display of national unity and defiance just four months after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killed the longtime leader.

The ceremonies began after Khamenei’s body lay at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque on Friday. State media showed five caskets draped in Iranian flags, including a small coffin containing the body of Khamenei’s 1-year-old granddaughter, whom Iranian officials said was killed alongside him in the Feb. 28 strike.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.