Iran Prepares Large-Scale Funeral Procession for Ali Khamenei

Iran is gearing up for a massive funeral procession for its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reported to have died in late February. Authorities in Tehran announced that the ceremonies will be held on a large scale across the capital, Qom, and Mashhad.

According to Tehran's Deputy Mayor for Social and Cultural Affairs, Mohammad-Amin Tavakolizadeh, Khamenei's body will be interred next to the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. The funeral events are slated to take place between the end of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 H and the beginning of Muharram 1448 H, which corresponds to mid-June. The ceremonies are expected to last for three full days, with the procession in Tehran alone anticipated to continue for at least 24 hours.

“

The funeral procession is scheduled to take place from the end of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 H to the beginning of Muharram 1448 H, or mid-June.

Mashhad, the burial site, is expected to welcome mourners from various countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh. Tavakolizadeh expressed confidence that the funeral ceremony will become the largest gathering of Muslims and Shiite communities worldwide. He anticipates that mourning will also be observed in other Muslim-majority nations, following declarations of mourning and symbolic ceremonies already held in Iraq and other cities.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly died on February 28, the same day Iran launched joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against it. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests, and imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz as part of its defensive strategy. Iranian authorities have since maintained control over navigation in the strategic waterway.

“

The funeral ceremony is expected to become the largest gathering of Muslims and Shiite communities in the world.