Ceremonies to begin in Tehran before moving to Qom, Iraq and Mashhad for final burial at Imam Reza Shrine
Iran has announced a six-day funeral program for its late Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies scheduled across five cities in Iran and Iraq. The headquarters overseeing the commemoration said the mourning events will begin on July 4 and continue through July 9, drawing official delegations, political figures and international guests.
According to the headquarters spokesperson, the first farewell ceremony will take place at Tehran’s Grand Imam Khomeini Mosalla on July 4 and 5. The main funeral procession in the Iranian capital is scheduled for July 6 and is expected to draw large crowds from across the country.
Tehran and Qom to host opening funeral ceremonies
After the Tehran procession, the funeral rites will move to the holy city of Qom on July 7. Organisers said prayers will be offered over the late Leader’s body there before the procession continues to its next stage.
Officials said the program was designed to allow people in several major religious and political centres to take part in the final farewell. They added that the schedule reflects the significance of Ayatollah Khamenei’s role in Iran’s political and religious history.
Procession to continue in Iraq before final burial in Mashhad
On July 8, the funeral procession is expected to travel to Iraq following requests from Iraqi tribes, scholars and religious and political leaders. Ceremonies are planned in Najaf and Karbala, while Iraqi authorities are expected to announce final timings and venues.
The procession will then return to Iran and conclude in Mashhad on July 9, where Ayatollah Khamenei will be laid to rest at the Imam Reza Shrine. Organisers thanked Iraq’s government, religious authorities and people for seeking to host funeral rites at the holy shrines.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike on February 28 during the opening day of the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. Iran’s Assembly of Experts later elected Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Leader on March 8.
