Iran Begins Preparations for Funeral of Former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iranian authorities have begun extensive preparations for the funeral and burial of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while plans are also underway for a separate memorial ceremony in neighboring Iraq. Officials expect nearly 20 million mourners to participate in the funeral events.

According to Iran's state media, mourning ceremonies will begin on July 4 in the capital, Tehran, and the holy city of Qom. Khamenei is scheduled to be buried on July 9 in his birthplace, Mashhad, in northeastern Iran.

Authorities said security measures are being significantly strengthened in coordination with the country's police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to ensure the ceremonies proceed safely. Reports also indicate that a separate memorial service is being planned at a major Shiite holy site in Karbala, Iraq, although Iraqi officials have not yet formally confirmed the arrangement.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was reportedly killed on February 28 at his official residence in Tehran during a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike. His burial was initially expected to take place much earlier but was postponed several times due to security concerns, as much of Iran's senior political leadership is expected to attend the funeral.