Just months ago, Iran witnessed widespread protests against then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over worsening economic conditions. On July 4, however, hundreds of thousands gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque for Khamenei's funeral after he was killed in US-Israel strikes at the start of the war. The massive turnout has sparked questions over whether attendance was voluntary, with a report alleging that Iranian authorities pressured workers, businesses and charitable organisations to participate in the week-long funeral ceremonies.
According to a report by Iran International, the days leading up to July 4 saw an extensive campaign involving workplace directives, business closures and large-scale logistical preparations. CNN described the arrangements as one of the "largest logistical efforts" in Iran's history, with authorities mobilising students, soldiers, labour unions, firefighters and religious mourning groups.
Iran's display of strength
Iran has organised an elaborate farewell for Khamenei, the country's longest-serving Supreme Leader, in what many observers view as a demonstration of the regime's resilience. The funeral ceremonies also coincide with the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day.
Analysts believe the scale of the event is intended to signal to Iran's adversaries that the leadership remains intact despite the loss of its supreme leader. Images of thousands of mourners carrying Khamenei's portraits and filling the mosque have been projected as symbols of national unity and strength.
However, the unusually large turnout on the opening day of the funeral, originally scheduled for March, has prompted questions about how the crowds were assembled.
Allegations of pressure on businesses and workers
According to Iran International, businesses were instructed to remain closed during the week-long mourning period or face punitive action. Khamenei is scheduled to be cremated in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.
"We received a text message from the real estate union... to mandatorily attend the ceremonies," a Tehran resident was quoted as saying.
Residents also alleged that members of the Basij Resistance Force, a volunteer paramilitary organisation, visited shops and warned owners against keeping their businesses open. Those who ignored the orders were reportedly threatened with having their establishments sealed.
The Basij functions under the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which reports directly to the Supreme Leader. Following Khamenei's death, his son Mojtaba was appointed as the new Supreme Leader.
However, Mojtaba has not appeared in public since March, fuelling speculation that he may have been seriously injured.
The report also claimed that gyms and fitness centres were instructed to remain closed from July 4 to July 8, while Tehran's Grand Bazaar, the capital's commercial hub, remained largely deserted on Saturday.
Local traders said the war had already hurt businesses significantly, and another week-long shutdown would place additional strain on struggling shopkeepers.
The report further alleged that public-sector employees were instructed to attend the funeral with their families, while leave for municipal staff was cancelled. One municipal employee claimed government offices had been directed to send at least 200 employees to the ceremonies.
Automaker Saipa was also reportedly instructed to prepare accommodation facilities for around 2,000 visitors arriving from Iraq.
Restrictions extended to restaurants and media
According to the report, charitable organisations were also ordered to support the funeral arrangements and warned that failure to cooperate could disrupt their operations.
Restaurant owners allegedly said military personnel instructed them to prepare thousands of free meals for mourners, with reports claiming that those who refused risked permanent closure.
The report also alleged that media outlets were instructed to broadcast only funeral-related coverage over the coming days. A confidential directive accessed by Iran International reportedly ordered television channels to provide the "most magnificent possible coverage" of the ceremonies.
It further said broadcasters should highlight the personal and political journey of what it described as "Iran's martyr."
Even before the funeral officially began on Saturday, state television had dedicated much of its programming to tribute songs and documentaries about Khamenei's life.
For Iran, the funeral is seen as more than a farewell to its former supreme leader. It also serves as a political statement. Whether the massive crowds represent genuine public mourning or were the result of state mobilisation remains difficult to determine, and the issue continues to be debated.
