Watch: IRGC Commanders Lead Khamenei Funeral Procession
7/5/2026 1:01:38 PM
Senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) led the funeral procession of the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a scene seen as reflecting institutional cohesion and sending a message of strength at a critical juncture.
The capital Tehran witnessed a large-scale funeral ceremony on Thursday morning for Ali Khamenei and members of his family, with millions reportedly participating in a mass gathering at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Grounds in central Tehran.
In a politically and militarily significant development, the front rows of mourners were not limited to political figures, but were dominated by senior military commanders, led by IRGC commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi and Esmail Qaani.
Observers say the prominent military presence carries messages beyond mourning, underlining the central role of the armed wing within Iran’s power structure.
It also marks Vahidi’s second appearance in this sensitive position since assuming command in March, following the death of his predecessor Mohammad Pakpour in joint Israeli-American airstrikes in late February.
Following the funeral prayers, the body of Ali Khamenei is expected to be transported on a multi-stage domestic and regional farewell journey. It will first be taken to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq for a one-day visit, before returning to Qom and then continuing to Mashhad, his birthplace, where he is expected to be buried on July 9.
The capital Tehran witnessed a large-scale funeral ceremony on Thursday morning for Ali Khamenei and members of his family, with millions reportedly participating in a mass gathering at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Grounds in central Tehran.
In a politically and militarily significant development, the front rows of mourners were not limited to political figures, but were dominated by senior military commanders, led by IRGC commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi and Esmail Qaani.
Observers say the prominent military presence carries messages beyond mourning, underlining the central role of the armed wing within Iran’s power structure.
It also marks Vahidi’s second appearance in this sensitive position since assuming command in March, following the death of his predecessor Mohammad Pakpour in joint Israeli-American airstrikes in late February.
Following the funeral prayers, the body of Ali Khamenei is expected to be transported on a multi-stage domestic and regional farewell journey. It will first be taken to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq for a one-day visit, before returning to Qom and then continuing to Mashhad, his birthplace, where he is expected to be buried on July 9.