Iran has announced a five-day funeral programme for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies set to begin in Tehran on July 4 and conclude with his burial in the holy city of Mashhad on July 9, according to state media reports.
Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed during a series of Israeli and US airstrikes on February 28. He was 86.
Ceremonies to be held in multiple cities
Officials said the funeral proceedings will start in the Iranian capital before moving to other significant religious centres. A major memorial ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 7 in the city of Qom, one of the country’s most important religious hubs.
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The final rites will conclude in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace and a major pilgrimage destination in northeastern Iran.
Delayed burial amid wartime conditions
Under Islamic tradition, burial is generally carried out as soon as possible after death, often within 24 hours. However, religious provisions allow exceptions under extraordinary circumstances, including armed conflict and security concerns.
The delay in Khamenei’s burial comes months after the military strikes that claimed his life.
Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years and played a central role in shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies. During his tenure, Iran expanded its regional influence through allied groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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At home, his government was known for taking a tough stance against anti-government protests and political unrest.
Throughout his leadership, Khamenei remained a vocal critic of the United States, while successive American administrations continued efforts to address longstanding disputes with Tehran over its nuclear programme.
Mojtaba Khamenei takes over
The airstrike that killed Khamenei reportedly destroyed his main compound in central Tehran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, who was injured in the same attack and lost his wife, has since assumed the position of Supreme Leader.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Iran and the United States had reached an initial framework for a peace agreement after more than three months of conflict.
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According to Sharif, both sides are expected to formalise the preliminary deal within the next 24 hours, potentially marking a significant step toward ending hostilities.
First published on: Jun 14, 2026 07:36 AM IST
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