Foreign dignitaries pay respects in Tehran ahead of state funeral, attack damage still visible

2026-07-04

Receiving condolences

The Iranian government on the 3rd accepted condolences from foreign dignitaries ahead of the public funeral procession and other ceremonies for former Supreme Leader the late Ali Khamenei. At the site, where officials from more than 100 countries were reported to be visiting, the scars of attacks by the United States and Israel remained deeply visible.

In the condolence venue in the capital, Tehran, Khamenei's coffin, killed in a US-Israeli attack in late February, was placed. Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, a former president, and Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif attended and expressed their condolences.

Damage visible across the city

On the Iranian side, President Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Aragchi welcomed the visitors. Iran has warned the United States and Israel not to launch attacks during the state funeral period. US-Iran talks that exchanged a memorandum ending the fighting are expected to resume after Khamenei's state funeral.

Across Tehran, where preparations for the ceremony are under way, traces of the US-Israeli attacks remain raw and visible. A building linked to the Iranian authorities that was hit in the attacks still has severe damage to its upper floors. At nearby UNESCO World Heritage site the Golestan Palace, glass in the walls and decorations was shattered and wooden beams in the ceiling were exposed.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the palace was built during the Qajar dynasty, which lasted from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, and was registered as a World Heritage site in 2013. Historic structures that incorporated Western elements into traditional Persian craftsmanship were also caught up in the conflict.

On major roads in the city, security forces have been placed on high alert ahead of the public funeral procession. Portraits of Khamenei and black-and-red banners fluttered in many places. Some estimates put attendance in Tehran alone at 15 million to 20 million during the funeral period.

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