Iran is set to hold six days of funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beginning on July 4 and ending with his burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.

Khamenei, who served as the longest-serving head of state in West Asia, was killed on February 28 during coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The funeral events will take place across several cities in Iran and Iraq.

The body of the late leader was brought to Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex ahead of the ceremonies. According to Iran’s IRNA news agency cited by News18, mourners gathered in the capital carrying Iranian flags and singing ceremonial hymns.

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Procession to move across Iran and Iraq

The funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran, where Khamenei’s body will remain at the Grand Mosalla prayer complex for public viewing. A major procession through the streets of the capital is scheduled during the ceremonies.

The procession will then move to Qom, one of Iran’s most important centres of Shia scholarship. On July 8, events will continue in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

The final rites will take place on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, the late leader’s hometown.

Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million people to participate in the funeral events over six days. Security has been heightened across the country, especially in Tehran, as authorities prepare for large crowds.

The multi-day funeral processions for #Iran‘s slain Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, continued Thursday with a farewell ceremony held at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya, a religious assembly hall and the traditional venue where Iran’s Supreme Leader delivered major speeches and met… pic.twitter.com/U5384SieQt— Basha باشا (@BashaReport) July 2, 2026

Leaders from several countries to attend

Delegations from around 90 countries are expected to participate in the ceremonies, News18 reported.

India will be represented by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Congress leader Pawan Khera, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and religious leader Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon are also expected to attend.

Negotiations paused during mourning period

Iran has temporarily suspended peace talks with the United States during the funeral period. According to Qatari mediators, negotiations are expected to resume after July 9.

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Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher-Ghalibaf called for a large turnout at the ceremonies.

“The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” Ghalibaf said.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Supreme Leader, is not expected to attend the funeral because of security concerns.

FAQs:

When will Ali Khamenei be buried?

The burial is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad.

Will Mojtaba Khamenei attend the funeral?

He is not expected to attend because of security concerns.