Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Chehlum 2026: Iran Reveals Mourning Plan

This week marks the culmination of the 40-day mourning phase for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran is unflinching in the face of impending U.S. threats of “indiscriminate bombing.” 40 days have passed since the airstrike on February 28 that killed the leader and started the “12-Day War,” and thousands are getting ready for the Chehlum.

Today marks the 40th day, or Chehlum, of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s martyrdom. A vast schedule of ceremonies beginning on April 8 has just been confirmed by Iranian officials. Despite President Trump’s latest social media threats to attack Iranian infrastructure, they are proceeding.

A symbolic march will start on Thursday at 9:00 AM, the exact moment the bomb struck the Leader’s office in Tehran on February 28. From Islamic Republic Square, they will stroll to the martyrdom site. A country lamenting its history while facing “indiscriminate bombing” in the future is a potent image.

The commemorations have been organized by the government to encourage public involvement:

• Wednesday, April 8 (8:00 PM): Quran recitations and worldwide prayers are led by scholars and lecturers in mosques and shrines.
• The 40-day milestone will be celebrated on Thursday, April 9 at 9:00 AM with a public march to the martyrdom site.

The major Chehlum ritual is held in Tehran on Friday, April 10 (10:00 AM), with concurrent meetings in every province.

Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of Supreme Leader since his martyrdom on the first day of the imposed war. Under pressure, the change took place. Currently, U.S.-Israeli strikes have affected more than thirty institutions and numerous medical facilities. Over Jamkaran Mosque, the Red Flag of Revenge continues to fly high.