Iran calls for large turnout at Khamenei's funeral to avenge his death

Ghalibaf stated that the public presence at the ceremonies, which begin Saturday, should "write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran" and that "the nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world." Khamenei, 86, died on February 28 in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war. His funeral, delayed during the Middle East conflict, will proceed as Iran and the United States observe a ceasefire.

The ceremonies are expected to attract 15 to 20 million mourners, potentially making it the largest state funeral in Iran's history. Public holidays have been declared in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, with traffic and airspace restrictions in Tehran. After ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body will be taken to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before burial on July 9 in Mashhad.

Representatives from approximately 30 countries are anticipated to attend.