Over 90 Nations to Send Delegations for Former Iranian Leader Khamenei's State Funeral

Representatives, religious leaders, and prominent scholars from more than 90 countries have expressed their intent to attend the upcoming state funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs and head of the organizing committee, confirmed that at least 30 nations have already formally requested to deploy high-level diplomatic delegations. Due to the massive international turnout and complex security configurations, the memorial services have been structured as a multi-day global event.

The former Supreme Leader lost his life during the initial wave of a joint air campaign launched by Israel and the United States on February 28. Due to volatile regional security conditions, Tehran was forced to postpone the final rites multiple times. According to the finalized timeline, the formal funeral prayers will commence on July 6, triggering a three-day official public holiday across Tehran province. To facilitate the movement of millions of expected mourners, the government has made all metro and bus services in the capital free and operational 24/7. Additionally, over 300 international journalists have registered to cover the historic transition, with officials guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access throughout the proceedings.

Following the core ceremonies in Iran, the late leader's body will be transported to Baghdad or Najaf in neighboring Iraq on July 8 for official state honors, followed by massive processional marches through Najaf and Karbala. The final interment is scheduled for July 9 near the historic Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran. The entire operation is being synchronized by a specialized national headquarters led by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. Geopolitical analysts view this massive gathering as a profound exhibition of regional solidarity and enduring diplomatic alliances across the Middle East.