Millions of Iranians have begun a historic farewell to Martyr Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, whose martyrdom in a US-Israeli terrorist attack on February 28 plunged the nation into mourning and marked one of the most tragic moments in contemporary Iranian history.
TEHRAN –IranView24
Vast crowds of mourners from across Iran gathered at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla on Saturday as the nation commenced a historic multi-day farewell ceremony for the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Martyr Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who attained martyrdom on February 28, 2026, in a criminal and terrorist attack carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime. The attack martyred the Leader of the Islamic Revolution along with several members of his family, including his 14-month-old grandchild, in what international observers have described as one of the most heinous crimes in contemporary history.
Beginning in the early hours of the morning with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, the ceremony transformed the capital’s largest prayer complex into a sea of grief, devotion, and steadfast loyalty. Men and women, young and old, traveled from cities and villages across the country to pay their final respects to the revered leader who guided the Islamic Republic through decades of challenges and whose legacy, many participants said, will continue to inspire future generations.
The farewell gathering is widely regarded as one of the most significant public events in contemporary Iranian history. Beyond serving as a final tribute to the martyred Leader, the ceremony has become a powerful manifestation of national unity and a renewed pledge to the principles of Islam, independence, dignity, justice, and resistance that Ayatollah Khamenei consistently championed throughout his life.
From the earliest hours of dawn, roads leading to the Mosalla witnessed an uninterrupted flow of mourners carrying Iranian flags, Qur’ans, and banners bearing messages of remembrance and loyalty. The atmosphere was marked by prayers, elegies, and expressions of gratitude for a leader whom many Iranians viewed as a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s sovereignty and values.
According to the Headquarters for the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, the farewell ceremony will continue through Sunday at Imam Khomeini Mosalla. The funeral procession in Tehran is scheduled for Monday and is expected to draw millions of participants from across the country and beyond.
Following the Tehran procession, the body of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will be transferred to the holy city of Qom on Tuesday for another large-scale funeral ceremony. On Thursday, a final farewell will be held in Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest beside the Shrine of Imam Reza, one of the most revered religious sites in the Muslim world.
Commemorative ceremonies are also scheduled to take place in the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, reflecting the profound regional and international significance of Ayatollah Khamenei’s life and legacy.
On Friday, Tehran hosted an official tribute ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries, political figures, religious leaders, and representatives of various faiths and communities from around the world, many of whom paid homage to the late Leader’s role in shaping contemporary Islamic thought, supporting the cause of oppressed nations, and advocating resistance against domination and injustice.
More than four months after his martyrdom, the grief felt by millions of Iranians remains palpable. Yet alongside mourning, the farewell ceremonies have also conveyed a message of continuity and resolve, with participants emphasizing their commitment to preserving the path, values, and aspirations for which Martyr Ayatollah Khamenei devoted his life.
As the nation enters days of remembrance and tribute, Tehran stands at the center of an unprecedented outpouring of affection and respect for a leader whose influence extended far beyond Iran’s borders and whose memory continues to resonate across the Muslim world and among advocates of justice and independence worldwide.
