Key facts
- Iran has begun public mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in February strikes by the U.S. and Israel.
- Khamenei's body arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque for ceremonies expected to draw millions.
- Funeral processions are planned in Iran and Iraq.
- Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the new IRGC commander, made a public appearance.
- President Donald Trump stated Iran has "almost agreed" to U.S. demands.
Iran has commenced several days of public mourning for its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The funeral ceremonies, delayed due to ongoing conflict, are set to begin Saturday in Tehran, with processions planned through cities in Iran and Iraq. Khamenei's body will lie in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque, with authorities expecting over 20 million mourners. The ceremonies will conclude with his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9.
The funeral is viewed as a test of the theocracy's support, particularly following nationwide protests against Khamenei's rule. Concerns exist about potential deadly stampedes, reminiscent of past funerals for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and General Qassem Soleimani.
Amidst the mourning, Washington and Tehran continue to exchange messages regarding their memorandum of understanding, while tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military command has instructed vessels transiting the waterway to adhere to designated routes or face a "forceful response." In Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun urged international pressure on Israel to implement a framework agreement, as Israel announced the completion of a mission by its Givati Brigade in southern Lebanon.
President Donald Trump stated that Iran has "almost agreed" to U.S. demands and confirmed that negotiations with Tehran will continue. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that lasting regional peace must be comprehensive and free from external interference.