TEHRAN, July 6, 2026: Tehran’s metro network recorded more than seven million passenger trips during the funeral prayers and mourning ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as authorities relied on public transport to manage the massive crowds gathering in the capital.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, more than seven million passengers used the Tehran Metro between 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, setting a new ridership record during the state funeral ceremonies.
Metro services expanded to accommodate mourners
Iranian authorities had urged mourners to use the metro instead of private vehicles to reduce traffic congestion around the funeral venues and ensure smooth transportation across the city.
To handle the surge in passengers, Tehran Metro increased the number of train services and deployed additional staff at stations to assist commuters throughout the ceremonies.
Millions gather in Tehran
The funeral prayers and mourning ceremonies drew millions of people from across Iran to Tehran, placing heavy pressure on the city’s transport network, including metro services, roads and other public transit systems.
Officials said the expanded public transportation arrangements helped move large numbers of participants efficiently while easing traffic congestion during one of the country’s largest public gatherings in recent years.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior government officials, military leaders, religious figures and foreign delegations attended the funeral ceremonies, which form part of a multi-day state mourning programme for the late Iranian leader.
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