Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the burial ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources. The funeral events are scheduled to take place from July 5 to 9 across several Iranian cities.
Invitation Details
Diplomatic sources confirmed on Wednesday that President Pezeshkian formally invited PM Modi to the ceremonies. However, there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding the invitation or the Prime Minister's attendance. The funeral will honor Khamenei, who led Iran for three decades before his death on February 28 during the first day of extensive US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran.
Funeral Schedule
The burial ceremonies are planned in multiple locations. On July 5, 6, and 7, events will be held in Tehran and Qom. The final ceremony is set for July 9 in Mashhad, the city where Khamenei was born and where he is expected to be laid to rest. These dates mark a significant period of mourning for the nation.
Impact and Context
Khamenei's death has reshaped Iran's political landscape, with Pezeshkian assuming the presidency amid ongoing tensions. The invitation to PM Modi underscores the diplomatic ties between India and Iran, though India has not yet responded publicly. The absence of confirmation from New Delhi leaves the matter pending, as the international community watches for India's stance on the evolving situation in Iran.
