**Body of Iran’s Slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Arrives in Qom**
*Qom, Iran – July 6, 2026* – The body of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has arrived in the holy city of Qom, marking a significant moment in the national mourning period following his death. State television reported that Khamenei's body was transported by helicopter and landed in the city, which is located south of Tehran. A procession is planned for Tuesday to honor his legacy.
The arrival of Khamenei's body comes after a massive funeral procession in Tehran, where millions of mourners gathered to pay their respects. The funeral, which has drawn large crowds for three consecutive days, saw a truck carrying Khamenei's body along with four family members who were killed in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. The procession culminated at Azadi Square, a significant location in the capital, where mourners clad in black paid tribute by throwing flower petals onto the coffins.
State media reported that the turnout for the funeral was comparable to that of Khamenei's predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who passed away in 1989. Eyewitness accounts described crowds stretching along major boulevards, with many expressing their grief and solidarity with Khamenei’s leadership. Mourners articulated their sentiments, with one individual named Hamid stating that the "US and Israel aimed to divide Iran," but credited Khamenei with preventing such division.
Another mourner, Marzieh, emphasized her commitment to Khamenei's legacy, stating, "We came here to tell our martyred leader that his blood is not wasted. We came here to renew our allegiance to him."
Despite the overwhelming public display of mourning, there was notable absence of Khamenei's successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei. He has not been seen in public since his appointment following his father's death, with reports suggesting that he is unable to attend the funeral due to ongoing security concerns amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries.
Mohammad Eslami, a research fellow at Tehran University, commented on Mojtaba Khamenei's absence, indicating that "the war is not over" and that the current negotiations are complex and sensitive. This context has contributed to the heightened security measures that prevent public appearances.
The ceremonies honoring Khamenei will continue, culminating in his burial on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran. The head of emergency services reported that over 34,000 participants have received medical treatment during the events, with no fatalities recorded.
Prominent figures in attendance included President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed a commitment to continue Iran's path of "honor, progress, and glory" on social media. Other notable attendees included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force.
The atmosphere at the funeral was charged, with many participants waving red flags and chanting slogans that demanded retribution, sending a clear message to perceived enemies of the Iranian state. Iranian media quoted Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, head of Iran’s supreme national security council, who remarked on the significance of the turnout and the sentiments expressed by the public.
Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had a contentious relationship with Khamenei during his presidency from 2005 to 2013, also made an appearance, marking a rare public sighting since the onset of the conflict.
As Iran navigates this period of mourning and transition, the legacy of Khamenei continues to resonate deeply within the nation, shaping both public sentiment and the political landscape in the wake of his passing.