Tehran is preparing for an unprecedented, on a massive scale, send-off ceremony for the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The mourning events are expected to draw between 20 and 30 million people. The authorities are seeking not only to organize a mass procession, but also to turn it into a powerful demonstration of political and military unity. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent, these funerals have temporarily frozen international negotiations, but the political subtext remains a key element of the event.
Within the country, the main goal is to show Iranian unity in the face of Israel and the United States, and to confirm popular support for the official course. In his address, President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that the funerals are not just mourning, but the start of a new phase: the deceased leader has become a symbol of resistance and resilience. He urged citizens to take part, saying that Iran is opening a new chapter in its history. Calls to join the ceremonies were voiced by the heads of all three branches of power and by the senior military leadership.
The international dimension also plays an important role. Iran intends to demonstrate that it has emerged stronger from its conflict with the United States and Israel and is ready for new challenges. Organizing such a large-scale event with official delegations from more than 100 countries is viewed as part of that message. Former Iranian diplomat Hadi Afghahi said that the people have rallied around the leadership, and that an oath of loyalty has shifted to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warning enemies: any adventure against the Islamic Republic will require a multiple reassessment of the balance of forces.
From the American side, the reaction is more restrained. Patrick Marr, the former head of the Republican Party committee in Washington, said that for the United States, symbols are not what matters, but Iran’s behavior. He noted that Washington is focused on the Strait of Hormuz issue, IAEA inspections, and ending support for proxy forces in sovereign states—especially in Lebanon. At the same time, he mentioned “American optimism” and positive signals from President Trump regarding a rapid comprehensive agreement—technical channels through intermediaries remain open.
An Al Jazeera correspondent in Washington reported that Trump had been closely following the ceremony despite the celebrations of Independence Day. In an interview with Axios, he called Iranian tears “possibly fake” and made a sarcastic comment on the mourning. Trump also mentioned a deal that provides a one-week postponement to complete the funerals and made a provocative statement: “the current Iranian leadership can be removed with one shot, but then there would be no one to negotiate with.” He reaffirmed that his approach is negotiations from a position of strength, and announced a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House after the NATO summit, despite remaining disagreements over Iran and Lebanon.
Thus, the grand funeral in Tehran became not only an act of remembrance, but also a stage for demonstrating domestic unity, international ambitions, and a fragile balance of power. While millions bid farewell to their leader for the last time, behind the scenes a tense game is underway: Washington is assessing vulnerabilities, Tehran is sending signals of resolve, and the future dialogue remains on hold until all rituals are completed.
Comments on the news
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei and why is he specifically mentioned as the new Supreme Leader of Iran? - Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He is considered a likely successor because of Iran’s informal power-transfer system, where ties within the clerical establishment and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps play a key role. Although the official mechanism for transferring power is carried out through the Assembly of Experts, analysis of domestic politics suggests that Mojtaba’s name is increasingly appearing among the candidates for the post, reflecting a trend toward concentrating power within a single family.
Why is control of the Strait of Hormuz a key issue for the United States in negotiations with Iran? - The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic corridor through which about 20% of the world’s oil trade passes. For the United States, control of it means the ability to influence global energy prices and ensure the security of its allies in the Persian Gulf. Iran periodically threatens to close the strait in response to sanctions, which could trigger a military conflict and disrupt supply chains—so any agreement with Tehran must include guarantees for freedom of navigation.
What are Iran’s proxy forces in Lebanon and what role do they play in regional politics? - In Lebanon, proxy forces primarily refers to Hezbollah—a Shiite military-political organization created and supported by Iran. It is simultaneously part of the Lebanese government, has its own army, and a network of social services. In regional politics, Hezbollah acts as an instrument of Iranian influence: it takes part in conflicts in Syria, confronts Israel, and helps spread Tehran’s ideological and military influence across the Middle East. Its role is especially important for Iran as a deterrence factor and as leverage in negotiations with the West.
Full version: With 30 million mourners involved... How Tehran and Washington read the huge funeral for Khamenei?