Iran’s government announced a three-day state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Officials have not revealed the exact dates, but the ceremonies will likely occur at the end of Islamic calendar month Dhu al-Hijjah, around June 15, 2026.
Khamenei’s last wish will be honored, and he will be buried at Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
Planned Tributes Across Major Cities
The funeral and mourning programs will span Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, featuring large-scale processions and public gatherings. Officials expect millions to participate in tributes across these cities. Government representatives also reported interest from other Iranian provinces to organize additional homage events.
Massive Gathering in Tehran
Tehran’s main ceremony will last at least 24 hours, with authorities preparing for approximately 15 to 20 million attendees.
Police, traffic control, and administrative arrangements are underway to manage the large crowd and ensure public safety.
Timing and Delay Details
This decision occurs three months after Khamenei’s death, diverging from typical Islamic customs, which usually perform funerals within a few days of death.
Iranian authorities had postponed the ceremony initially due to crowd management challenges and logistical concerns.
Death and Aftermath
Khamenei died on February 28, 2026, in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel. Iranian officials had announced in March that immediate funeral arrangements were impossible due to administrative constraints.
International Attendance
The state funeral will attract attendees from various Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, and Kashmir, particularly in Mashhad.
Khamenei’s Legacy
At age 86, Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for over three decades, holding both political and religious power as the nation’s most influential figure.
After his death, his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership but has not yet appeared publicly.
