Iran Plans Three-Day Funeral Ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Start of Muharram

Iranian authorities are considering holding the funeral and burial ceremonies of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the beginning of Muharram, according to Tehran Deputy Mayor Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh.

On Tuesday, Iran announced that a three-day state funeral and burial process would be held for Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack during the first day of the recent Middle East conflict. Officials said the exact dates would be announced later.

Khamenei had led the Islamic Republic for nearly 37 years. According to Iranian authorities, he was killed at his residence in central Tehran on February 28.

Plans for a state funeral and burial ceremony, initially scheduled for March 4, were postponed due to the ongoing conflict, officials said.

Iranian state television quoted Deputy Mayor Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh as saying that preparations are underway for a three-day public funeral and burial program.

While he did not specify an exact date, Tavakolizadeh indicated that the ceremonies could begin at the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, which is expected to fall in mid-June.

He said the ceremonies would be held in Tehran as well as in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad.

According to Tavakolizadeh, the Tehran portion of the event is expected to last at least 24 hours, with authorities anticipating attendance of up to 20 million people.

The planned ceremonies are expected to be among the largest public gatherings in Iran's recent history, reflecting Khamenei's long-standing role in the country's political and religious leadership.