Key facts
- Iran's military has been placed on high alert for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- Increased deployments of army, naval, and air forces are part of the security operation.
- The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4-9, 2026.
- Khamenei was assassinated on February 28, 2026, during the Iran war.
- His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeded him as Supreme Leader.
Iran's military forces have been placed on high alert and increased deployments ahead of the funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated on February 28, 2026, during the Iran war. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that the army’s ground, naval, and air forces have expanded their presence across the country's borders to ensure security, with the air defense force conducting continuous surveillance.
The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4-9, 2026, across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. Authorities are mobilizing the Basij militia and mounting a massive security operation for the event, which is expected to draw millions of participants. The lengthy delay to the funeral has raised questions about the preservation of Khamenei's remains, with experts suggesting refrigerated cold storage rather than embalming, which is barred by Islamic tradition.
Khamenei was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was elected Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026. The funeral schedule includes public viewings in Tehran on July 6 and 7, followed by a procession. Another procession is planned for July 8 in Qom, with the burial set for July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Four family members who were killed in the same attack are also included in the funeral arrangements.