Processions to span Iran and Iraq before final burial in Mashhad
Iran has launched a seven-day programme of funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with millions of mourners, senior officials and foreign delegations expected to participate in commemorations across Iran and Iraq.
The ceremonies began on July 3 in Tehran, where political leaders, religious scholars and international representatives gathered to pay their respects. Iranian authorities postponed the burial, originally planned for March, due to the prolonged conflict following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Khamenei, 86, was killed on February 28 alongside several members of his family during a joint US-Israeli airstrike that targeted his residence, according to Iranian officials. His death marked a major turning point in the country’s political landscape after nearly four decades as supreme leader.
Funeral procession to travel through major religious cities
Public mourning ceremonies on July 4 and 5 will take place at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, where Khamenei’s coffin and those of his family members will lie in state before large crowds.
Afterward, the funeral procession will continue across Tehran before moving to the holy city of Qom on July 6 and 7. The city, regarded as Iran’s foremost centre of Shia Islamic scholarship, holds deep religious significance and was central to Khamenei’s religious education.
On July 8, Iraqi officials will receive the coffin at Najaf International Airport before public processions continue through Najaf and Karbala, home to some of Shia Islam’s holiest shrines.
Final burial scheduled in Mashhad
The funeral programme will conclude on July 9 with Khamenei’s burial at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city and his birthplace.
Officials said the burial at one of Shia Islam’s most revered sites reflects Khamenei’s religious and political legacy. Meanwhile, the ceremonies will also mark the first major state occasion under his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since assuming leadership following the conflict.
