Iran's longest-serving Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israel strikes, will be buried on July 9 after a multi-day funeral beginning July 4, Iranian authorities announced. The burial, originally scheduled for March but postponed due to the conflict, will take place in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad, the holy city in northeastern Iran, according to reports from AFP.
Funeral Schedule
The funeral process will commence with three days of ceremonies in Tehran starting July 4, followed by another ceremony in the holy city of Qom on July 7, before the final burial in Mashhad on July 9. This comes 132 days after Khamenei was killed in the joint strike, ending months of uncertainty over his burial.
The delay was attributed to security concerns, the condition of his remains, and the transition of power to his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian authorities repeatedly promised a historic farewell but did not provide a timeline until now.
Background
Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel operation, leading to widespread mourning and speculation about his burial. The announcement brings closure to a period of speculation that lasted over 100 days. The ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds of mourners from across Iran and beyond.
The burial in Mashhad, a city revered in Shia Islam, underscores Khamenei's significance as a religious and political figure. His death has reshaped Iran's leadership, with Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role of Supreme Leader amid ongoing regional tensions.
