Iranian state television has announced that funeral rites for the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, will commence on July 4 in Tehran, with his final burial scheduled for July 9 at the revered Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
According to Iranian authorities, Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during reported US-Israeli airstrikes, with his death officially confirmed on March 1.
The funeral arrangements have been delayed several times over the past four months. Officials have now finalized plans for a series of national ceremonies expected to draw millions of mourners from across the country and beyond.
Iran has declared a period of national mourning ahead of the funeral events, with authorities anticipating attendance of up to 20 million people during commemorative activities in multiple cities.
The funeral procession will pass through Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, three cities of immense political and religious significance. Reports indicate that each procession is expected to last at least 24 hours in accordance with Khamenei’s wishes.
Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for 37 years, assuming office in 1989 following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping Iran’s political, religious, and foreign policy direction.
The burial at the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, is expected to mark the culmination of a historic period of national remembrance and mourning.
