Iran Prepares Grand State Funeral for Late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran is staging a six-day funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on 28 February 2026 by a US-Israeli strike. It begins with a ceremony in Tehran on 3 July and ends with burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on 9 July.

Funeral of Ali Khamenei, who died back in February, will last six days in two countriesYnetNewsEuronewsIran to Hold State Funeral for Late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 131 Days After DeathThe Straits TimesIran to Hold Funeral Ceremonies for Late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Khamenei’s death marked the opening day of Iran-US-Israel war. A cease-fire and a June memorandum of understanding allowed the postponed rites after a four-month delay.

WION

4-5 July – body lies in state at the Grand Mosalla; 6 July – 10-km procession from Imam Hussein Square to Azadi Square; 7 July – prayers in Qom; 8 July – transfer to Najaf and Karbala; 9 July – burial in Mashhad.

Funeral of Ali Khamenei, who died back in February, will last six days in two countries

Officials project 15-20 million attendees in Tehran; Euronews cites 8-10 million for Mashhad. Tehran’s mayor calls it “the largest in the city’s history.” National Funeral Headquarters, led by Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, coordinates ministries, the IRGC and Basij, declares holidays on 4-6 July and 9 July, and imposes traffic bans, metro service and buses. Seven helicopters are positioned and heatstroke warnings issued as temperatures near 45 °C.

The Straits Times

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the National Funeral Headquarters, emphasized security and “public participation.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the ceremonies will “strengthen the ties between the two nations.” Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned any cease-fire breach “will face an immediate and decisive response.” Iran has not invited European states, accusing them of standing “on the wrong side of history.”

YnetNews

Commentators have branded Araghchi a “compromiser” and “infiltrator,” demanding his resignation over concessions to the United States. Some analysts note the timing—coinciding with U.S. Independence Day—serves as defiance.

WION

Pourjamshidian cites “more than 30 countries” attending, while Ynet mentions “senior officials from more than 40 countries.” Attendance estimates range from 15-20 million to 8-10 million. Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and possible appearance remain unconfirmed.

Euronews

• “Various national institutions, from the first days after his death, mobilized all their resources to organize the farewell, funeral and burial ceremonies and to host those arriving from inside and outside the country.” — Iman Attarzadeh, spokesman

YnetNews

• “the leader’s funeral should be a symbol of national unity and cohesion.” — President Masoud Pezeshkian

YnetNews

• “a global movement condemning American-Zionist terrorism and crimes.” — Iranian army spokesperson

YnetNews

• “Like Iran, Iraq is preparing for a mass funeral for Ali Khamenei, an event that will undoubtedly be remembered in history and will further strengthen the ties between the two nations,” — Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister

YnetNews

Doha-based talks on the memorandum of understanding continue, with further negotiations expected in the coming weeks; the funeral’s outcome may shape Iran’s leverage in nuclear and regional discussions.

Iran to Hold Funeral Ceremonies for Late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei