'We Must Rise': Iran Projects Message Of Continuity As Thousands Mourn Khamenei At Mass Funeral

Last Updated:July 05, 2026, 07:25 IST

Iran's funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei have become a show of support for successor Mojtaba Khamenei, with mourners pledging revenge and loyalty to the Islamic Republic.

Iranian authorities have begun large-scale public commemorations for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, using the ceremonies to project a message of continuity for the Islamic Republic following his death during the US-Israeli war on Iran.

According to Al Jazeera, the official slogan for the commemorations is “We must rise," accompanied by an image of Khamenei’s clenched fist against a red-and-black background.

The report mentioned that the ceremonies are being presented as a show of resilience, with authorities promoting both continuity of the Islamic Republic and calls for vengeance over Khamenei’s killing.

Mourners attending the ceremonies expressed support for Mojtaba Khamenei, who was quickly selected as Iran’s new supreme leader by a clerical body in March following his father’s killing.

“We are all here to seek blood vengeance for our leader," Fatemeh, a 55-year-old woman travelling with a group of women dressed in black chadors, was quoted as saying, while waiting to enter the prayer complex through a northern gate.

She also voiced support for the succession, saying, “We will all listen to his son. He will guide the revolution forward."

The report mentioned that the message of continuity has been central to the commemorations, with officials presenting the leadership transition as a continuation of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary path.

TENS OF THOUSANDS GATHER FOR PUBLIC VIEWING OF COFFIN

Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla on Saturday to view Khamenei’s coffin, which was displayed under glass alongside the coffins of several members of his family.

Mourners dressed in black and draped in Iran’s national flag held portraits of both Khamenei and Mojtaba Khamenei.

The coffins of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and 14-month-old granddaughter were also placed on display.

Mourners filed into the vast prayer complex, beating their chests, wailing and chanting slogans, including “Death to America," while organisers encouraged the crowds through loudspeakers.

Women wearing black chadors used white visors and umbrellas to shield themselves from the summer heat.

The agency also noted that there has been no public appearance or image released of Mojtaba Khamenei since he was reportedly injured in the same attack that killed his father.

Mourners framed the funeral as a moment to pledge revenge for Khamenei’s killing.

“Everyone here has come to avenge the blood of their supreme leader," 40-year-old Arash Rahimi told Reuters.

“As our leader has said, we have a blood feud with the United States. Our relations with the United States will never be good," he added.

According to Reuters, the funeral is taking place at a critical moment for Iran, with its clerical leadership seeking to demonstrate that the country’s political system has remained intact despite the war.

The agency reported that Iranian authorities have portrayed the ceasefire reached with Washington as preserving the Islamic Republic while potentially paving the way for economic relief through the unfreezing of Iranian assets and waivers from financial sanctions.

WEEK-LONG CEREMONIES PLANNED

Reuters reported that Khamenei’s coffin was first unveiled on Thursday before being laid in state on Friday for senior Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries.

Authorities have planned a week of funeral processions, beginning with ceremonies in Tehran before the remains are taken to the seminary city of Qom.

The body is then scheduled to travel to the Shi’ite holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala in Iraq before returning to Iran for a final procession in Mashhad, where Khamenei is to be buried.

According to Reuters, Iranian authorities are aiming to mobilise millions of people for the ceremonies by providing transport, food and accommodation, using the funeral to reinforce public displays of loyalty as the country enters a new chapter under its new supreme leader.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

News world 'We Must Rise': Iran Projects Message Of Continuity As Thousands Mourn Khamenei At Mass Funeral

Read More