Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on March 4, 2026, to begin a three-day mourning period for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an aerial attack by the US and Israel. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is seen as a suitable successor amid ongoing regional tensions.
On March 4, 2026, Iran began a three-day mourning ceremony for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday at age 86 in aerial attacks conducted by the United States and Israel. Khamenei had been in power since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran's Islamic Republic in 1979. He also served as Iran's president from 1981 to 1989.
Thousands of citizens gathered in Tehran to pay their final respects, with his body placed at the Imam Khomeini prayer hall. Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran's Islamic Council, stated the lying in state would last three days, allowing the public to view the body. “The hall will receive guests and Iranian citizens who come to bid farewell to our religious leader and show America that Iran is still a strong nation and will not be subdued,” Mahmoudi said.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, is regarded as a suitable successor, though religious leaders have not announced an official replacement due to fears of targeting by the US and Israel. This occurs as Iran continues retaliatory strikes, including drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf region and assaults on US embassies in Dubai and Riyadh. On Tuesday night, an Iranian drone struck the parking area of the US embassy in Dubai, causing a large fire and smoke.
US Foreign Affairs Advisor Marco Rubio said all staff were safe. The United States has closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon, advising its citizens to leave 14 Middle East countries. IRGC commander Ebrahim Jabari declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, stating, “The Strait of Hormuz is closed. If anyone tries to pass through there, the brave Guards of the Revolution and the navy will incinerate those ships.” President Donald Trump has vowed retaliation for the attacks and the killing of six US soldiers.
Iran's actions have disrupted air travel, with airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad suspending operations.
