Key facts
- Iran announced a six-day schedule for the funeral and burial of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
- Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28.
- Farewell ceremonies will be held in Tehran on July 4 and 5.
- Funeral processions are planned for Tehran on July 6 and Qom on July 7.
- The burial will take place in Mashhad on July 9.
- Authorities anticipate millions of attendees for the ceremonies.
Iran has announced a comprehensive schedule for the farewell and funeral ceremonies of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. The events, spanning six days, are expected to draw millions of mourners and are being overseen by Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh.
Farewell ceremonies are set to begin in Tehran on July 4 and 5, followed by funeral processions in the capital on July 6 and in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The burial will take place in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad on July 9, coinciding with the eve of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Zainal Abideen.
Authorities anticipate that up to 35 million people may participate, potentially making it the largest funeral gathering in modern history. The delay in burial, initially scheduled for March, has been attributed to wartime conditions, security considerations, consultations with religious authorities, and preparations for nationwide mourning.
Khamenei, 86, led Iran from 1989. His death occurred during the opening phase of a US-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the attack and is seen as a potential successor, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noting his increased public role amid ongoing negotiations.