Iranian authorities have called on millions of citizens to participate in the funeral ceremonies of the country's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing a massive public turnout as a symbolic act of vengeance following his death.
The appeal was made by Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who urged Iranians to attend the funeral events beginning this weekend, saying their presence would send a powerful message to the international community.
According to Iranian officials, the funeral is expected to become the largest state ceremony in the country's history, with authorities anticipating between 15 and 20 million mourners across multiple cities. Ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran before continuing to the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, where Khamenei will be buried.
Khamenei, who served as Iran's Supreme Leader for decades, was reportedly killed during the opening phase of the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. His funeral was delayed for several months because of the ongoing war and security concerns before officials announced the current schedule.
In a statement released ahead of the ceremonies, Ghalibaf invited Iranians to "write a glorious page" in the country's history through their attendance, adding that "the nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world."
Authorities have announced extensive logistical arrangements to accommodate the expected crowds. Government offices in Tehran are expected to close during parts of the funeral period, while major traffic restrictions and temporary airspace closures have been introduced to facilitate the ceremonies and enhance security.
The funeral will also include the bodies of several members of Khamenei's family who reportedly died during the conflict. Following the Tehran ceremonies, the procession is expected to continue through the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before concluding with burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei's birthplace.
Iranian officials have simultaneously issued fresh warnings to the United States and Israel against any military action during the mourning period. Senior military commanders said any new attack would provoke a strong response, underscoring the fragile security environment surrounding the funeral.
International delegations from dozens of countries are expected to attend the ceremonies, reflecting Khamenei's influence within regional political and religious networks. However, security concerns remain high, and authorities have significantly increased the presence of security forces across Tehran and other key locations.
Political analysts say the funeral is expected to serve not only as a religious and national event but also as a demonstration of the Islamic Republic's resilience following months of military conflict and political uncertainty. At the same time, reports suggest public opinion inside Iran remains divided, with some citizens mourning the late leader while others have expressed dissatisfaction with the country's political direction.
The funeral comes as Iran continues to navigate a delicate ceasefire and broader regional tensions, making the ceremonies one of the most closely watched events in the Middle East this year.
The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei carries significance beyond Iran's borders. As one of the Middle East's most influential leaders, his death and the government's response could shape Iran's domestic politics, regional alliances and future relations with the United States, Israel and neighbouring countries.
For Nigeria and other African nations, developments in the Middle East are closely monitored because they can affect global oil prices, international security, trade and diplomatic relations. Any escalation in regional tensions could have wider economic consequences, including fluctuations in energy markets that impact fuel prices and inflation.
Iran has urged millions of citizens to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, describing mass participation as a symbolic act of defiance and national unity following his death. With heightened security, international attention and continuing regional tensions, the funeral is expected to become one of the largest and most politically significant events in Iran's modern history.