'Where Did The Money Come From?' Why Some Iranians Are Avoiding Khamenei's Funeral
'Where Did The Money Come From?' Why Some Iranians Are Avoiding Khamenei's Funeral Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 22:41 IST Khamenei, regarded as
'Where Did The Money Come From?' Why Some Iranians Are Avoiding Khamenei's Funeral Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 22:41 IST Khamenei, regarded as a spiritual leader by many Shia Muslims, was killed in late February at the age of 86 in US-Israeli strikes that marked the beginning of the West Asia war. Despite official expectations of a massive turnout, several residents told AFP they were choosing to avoid the event. (Photo: AFP) As Iran prepares for what authorities say could be one of the largest funerals in its history, not everyone plans to join the crowds. While millions are expected to gather in Tehran on Saturday to bid farewell to late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, many Iranians say they will stay away, citing fears over safety, overcrowding and growing frustration over the country’s economic hardships. Khamenei, regarded as a spiritual leader by many Shia Muslims, was killed in late February at the age of 86 in US-Israeli strikes that marked the beginning of the West Asia war. The funeral comes amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and just six months after widespread anti-government protests shook the country. Despite official expectations of a massive turnout, several residents told AFP they were choosing to avoid the event. In Tehran, roads leading out of the capital were reportedly congested, while many shops remained closed and the city appeared quieter than usual, suggesting that a significant number of residents had left rather than participate.
For 67-year-old housewife Effat from Mashhad, the primary concern is safety. “My concern is that poor organisation could put people’s lives at risk. I also worry about the possibility of violence or a terrorist attack intended to gain international attention," she said. “When such tragedies happen, the authorities quickly blame foreign actors like Israel or the opposition before the facts are established. I just hope everyone who attends returns home safely." Azadeh, a 43-year-old translator in Tehran, believes many residents are deliberately leaving the capital. “From what I can see, many people are escaping the crowded city. Tehran is unusually quiet," she said. Referring to official projections of around 15 million attendees, she questioned the figure and claimed government employees and schoolchildren were being transported to the capital from other cities. “What worries me most is the safety of those children. I just hope they don’t get crushed in the crowd." Twenty-nine-year-old technology professional Saeid echoed similar concerns, saying the atmosphere in Tehran had become increasingly tense. “Roads leading out of the city are packed. Many residents have already left, and I’m leaving too because staying here has become difficult," he said. “Many streets are closed, security checkpoints have returned and there is a heavy deployment of security personnel. It feels unsettling." For others, the funeral has also become a symbol of misplaced government priorities during an economic crisis.
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