Iran has announced the schedule for the funeral and burial of its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with official state ceremonies set to take place across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad in early July.
According to Iranian state media reports, the funeral proceedings will begin in Tehran on July 4, followed by additional commemorative ceremonies in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The final burial is scheduled to take place in Mashhad on July 9, the late leader’s hometown.
Authorities confirmed that the funeral arrangements will span three days of national mourning events in Tehran, allowing the public to pay their final respects. Following the capital ceremonies, the procession will move to Qom for a formal religious observance before concluding in Mashhad for burial rites.
Reports indicated that the burial had originally been planned earlier but was postponed due to escalating regional tensions linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. State media cited security considerations and logistical arrangements as key factors behind the revised schedule, reports Al-Jazeera.
Ali Khamenei led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His leadership period significantly shaped Iran’s political and religious institutions.
Following his death, discussions have emerged regarding succession, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly being mentioned in political circles, though he has largely remained out of the public spotlight.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions following reports of a US-Israeli air strike on Khamenei’s compound in February, which Iranian authorities say led to his death. The development has further intensified geopolitical sensitivities across the Middle East.
