TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran on Friday began preparations for the extended funeral ceremonies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as banners across Tehran called on citizens to stand firmly behind the Islamic Republic following the devastating conflict that claimed the life of the 86-year-old cleric.

The country’s religious leadership expects vast crowds to gather in the capital starting Saturday, in scenes likely to echo the massive funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

Such a display of public support could strengthen Iran’s leadership at a critical moment, as it seeks to use its strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz in discussions with the United States about a lasting end to the war. Tensions also remain high amid fears of renewed Israeli military action.

Amid the preparations, a senior commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard appeared publicly for the first time in months at events linked to the funeral. Senior government officials and foreign representatives are also expected to attend, underscoring a message of national resilience.

“As long as those chosen to lead us remain present, we will uphold the Islamic Republic’s principle of rejecting humiliation,” said Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, a volunteer assisting with preparations on Friday.

“We will continue to safeguard our independence, ensuring that decisions are made within our borders and that our people determine their own destiny,” he added.

Caskets displayed in Tehran

Khamenei’s coffin, wrapped in Iran’s national flag, was placed at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla alongside relatives who were killed in the Israeli airstrike that marked the opening hours of the war on Feb. 28.

Among those commemorated were his son-in-law, his eldest daughter, a 14-month-old granddaughter and the wife of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The younger Khamenei, who reportedly sustained injuries in the attack, has remained out of public view.

Clerics and foreign guests approached the coffin as a military band performed and prayers were recited. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among the senior civilian leaders who paid tribute.

State media footage from Thursday night showed mourners dressed in black attending a ceremony honoring Khamenei. Many were identified as relatives of those killed during the 12-day war in 2025 and the recent conflict. In a traditional gesture seeking blessings, mourners tossed scarves and personal items toward attendants to brush them against the coffin.

Images later showed the coffin draped with a red flag bearing the words “Ya Hussein” in white script, referencing the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson in the 7th century. The flag, previously flown over the golden-domed Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq, symbolizes both unjust bloodshed and a call for justice.

Top general appears for first time in months

Photographs released by state media showed Gen. Ahmad Vahidi attending a meeting Thursday to coordinate funeral arrangements. He was later seen seated near the coffin during a smaller ceremony held close to Khamenei’s former residence in central Tehran.

“They should understand that the pure blood of our martyred leader will mark a new chapter in the triumph of Islam worldwide,” Vahidi said in remarks broadcast Friday. “Those who hope to see this nation surrender will carry that wish to their graves. Our nation will rise higher each day through this sacrifice.”

Analysts say Vahidi has played an influential role in shaping Iran’s firm position in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with the United States. He had not appeared publicly since Feb. 8, weeks before the war began. During the fighting, Israel targeted senior military and political figures and issued threats against Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Vahidi is believed to be among a small group maintaining close contact with the new leader.

It remains uncertain whether Mojtaba Khamenei will attend his father’s funeral. In 1989, the elder Khamenei publicly mourned Ayatollah Khomeini before assuming leadership and guiding Iran through decades of confrontation with Western powers.

Israel’s repeated threats against the younger Khamenei prompted a warning Thursday from Iran’s joint military command.

“We caution the enemies of a strong Iran — particularly the United States, the Israeli regime and their allies — against any miscalculation,” the statement read. “Any threat or act of aggression against our homeland will be met with decisive and regrettable consequences from the armed forces of the Iranian nation.”

Funeral to go on for days

Starting Saturday, Iran will begin several days of funeral rites for Khamenei, with his body scheduled to be taken to multiple cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq. Officials intend to close major roads, restrict airspace and suspend much of daily activity in Tehran as the country observes the ceremonies.

Across the capital, posters and banners display images of Khamenei’s raised fist. In Enghelab Square, a large installation shows the gesture framed by depictions of missiles overhead. In his first national message, delivered by a state television presenter, Mojtaba Khamenei said he saw his father’s body with a raised, clenched fist after his passing.

The banners, written in Arabic, English and Farsi, carry a unified message: “We must rise.”

“This fist represents all Muslims,” said taxi driver Jafar Javadi. “It shows that we stand united, and with that unity our enemies will be defeated, God willing. We will continue our slogans against America and Israel with the same determination.”