Tehran: Iran has commenced a week-long state funeral for its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects. The funeral ceremonies, among the largest in the country’s recent history, will continue across several cities in Iran and Iraq before his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.
The procession is scheduled to pass through Tehran, the holy city of Qom, and Karbala in neighbouring Iraq before returning to Iran for the final burial rites. Iranian authorities have appealed to citizens, government officials, and members of paramilitary organisations to participate in the mourning ceremonies.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described the funeral as a defining moment for the nation, saying, “The martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei marks the beginning of a new chapter of national unity. I urge all Iranians to participate in the funeral ceremonies as a demonstration of our resilience and solidarity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but his funeral was postponed for several months as hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the US continued.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, during his Fourth of July address, made a fresh remark on Iran, stating, “I gave Iran a week off, because I’m nice.” The comment came as the funeral ceremonies were getting underway and is likely to draw international attention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
India has sent an official delegation to represent the country at the funeral. The delegation is led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, along with senior Ministry of External Affairs officials.
Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid is attending the ceremony on behalf of his party, while BJP president Nitin Nabin, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, and Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi have also received invitations to participate in the state funeral.
The funeral is being closely watched by the international community as Iran prepares for a political transition while navigating heightened regional tensions following months of conflict in West Asia.
