Iran has unveiled a comprehensive timetable for the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose passing has sparked a nationwide period of mourning. The multi-day ceremonies are anticipated to draw millions of mourners from across Iran and neighboring countries, blending public tributes with formal state observances.
Authorities have called on citizens to join the funeral processions, while security personnel are preparing to manage the large crowds expected at various events. The initial mourning activities will take place in Tehran, the capital, from July 4 to July 6. These gatherings are set to occupy the city’s main avenues and squares as Iranians pay homage to the leader who guided the nation for over three decades following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death in 1989.
On July 7, the focus will move to Qom, a vital religious center housing major seminaries and a prominent Shia clerical community. A significant procession is planned there to honor Khamenei’s legacy.
In a notable extension, the funeral rites will cross international borders on July 8, with commemorations held in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq—two of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims worldwide. Iranian officials are coordinating closely with Iraqi authorities to facilitate the participation of pilgrims and dignitaries at these events.
The final procession is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, Iran, where Ayatollah Khamenei will be laid to rest at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS). This shrine is among the holiest locations in Shia Islam and is expected to attract vast crowds during the burial.
These carefully planned ceremonies highlight the enduring religious and political influence of the late leader within Iran and the broader Shia community. Senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, are set to lead the state events. Invitations have also been extended to regional leaders and international delegations to attend the funeral proceedings.
In a significant development, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will dispatch a high-level delegation to participate in the funeral ceremonies. Speaking during an open session of the National Assembly in Islamabad, Sharif described Iran as a “brotherly nation and neighbor” and confirmed that the Pakistani delegation will attend the funeral events scheduled between July 3 and July 4, following an invitation from President Masoud Pezeshkian.
