Tehran Holds Massive Funeral As Israel Strikes Lebanon And Gaza

Millions of mourners packed Tehran on Monday for Ali Khamenei's funeral procession. The event marks one of the largest gatherings in the city's history. Fighting continues elsewhere in the region even as Iran mourns.

What Is Happening In Tehran Today

Khamenei's flag draped coffin moved through Tehran on a decorated truck. His family members killed alongside him in February also traveled in the procession. Crowds dressed in black lined the streets to watch it pass.

The coffins will travel roughly 11 kilometers toward Mehrabad International Airport. Officials say the journey through the city could take 12 hours. Iranian authorities shut down streets and airspace to manage the crowds.

Tehran's mayor estimated attendance could reach 20 million people. That scale would make it the largest gathering ever held in the capital. Iran expects the wider funeral events to draw far more mourners nationwide.

Background On Khamenei's Death

Khamenei died on February 28 in a joint US and Israeli strike. The attack also killed several members of his family at his residence. That strike marked the opening move of the broader war on Iran.

His son Mojtaba Khamenei has since become Iran's new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba has not appeared publicly at his father's funeral so far. Iran announced a 40 day mourning period following the assassination.

Where The Funeral Goes Next

The funeral events began on July 3 and will continue through July 9. Processions will move from Tehran to the city of Qom next. The body will then travel into Iraq for ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala.

Khamenei will finally be buried in Mashhad, his birthplace. Mashhad hosts the Imam Reza shrine, one of Shia Islam's holiest sites. Officials chose the date partly to align with the mourning month of Muharram.

Israeli Strikes Continue In Lebanon

Israeli forces struck Nabatieh in southern Lebanon despite a signed ceasefire agreement. That deal, brokered by the United States, took effect last month. Strikes in the area have continued in the weeks since.

Lebanese media reported an airstrike near Kfar Tebnit and Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The Israeli military has said it continues operating near the Ali Taher ridge. Officials say the area holds an underground Hezbollah tunnel network.

Wider Regional Tensions Remain High

Talks between the United States and Iran remain paused during the funeral period. Officials expect discussions to resume once the burial concludes in Mashhad. Topics include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the broader conflict.

NATO leaders are meeting separately this week in Ankara, Turkiye. Officials say Strait of Hormuz security will likely come up in discussions. Shipping through the strait remains below levels seen before the war began.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Ali Khamenei?

He served as Iran's Supreme Leader for more than three decades. He died on February 28 in a US-Israeli airstrike on his residence.

Q: How long will the funeral events last?

The funeral began July 3 and continues through July 9. Burial will take place in Mashhad on the final day.

Q: Is the Israel Lebanon ceasefire still holding?

The ceasefire remains officially in place but faces regular violations. Strikes near Nabatieh have continued despite the signed agreement.

Q: When will US Iran talks resume?

Officials say talks are paused until after Khamenei's burial concludes. Discussions are expected to restart soon afterward in Doha or a similar location.