New Delhi: A six day state funeral for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began on July 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The ceremonies come nearly four months after Khamenei was killed in airstrikes at the start of the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Speaking during an event near Mount Rushmore, US President Donald Trump referenced the funeral while reiterating his administration’s military actions against Iran. He stated that the United States had dealt a severe blow to Iran and remarked that Washington had effectively allowed a pause in tensions to enable the funeral ceremonies to proceed.
Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, died on February 28 as military strikes triggered a wider conflict across the Middle East. The timing of his burial had been the subject of speculation, as Islamic tradition generally calls for burial within a day of death. However, the ongoing war and security conditions delayed the final rites.
The funeral programme includes religious ceremonies in the holy city of Qom on July 7 before concluding with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9. Authorities expect millions of mourners to participate in the events, making it one of the most closely watched global developments of the year.
Across Iran, streets have been lined with large portraits and billboards honouring the late leader, while anti American sentiment has remained visible among sections of the public gathered for the ceremonies in Tehran.
Security concerns have reportedly kept Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, away from public funeral events.
A smaller coffin placed beside Khamenei’s drew attention during the ceremonies. It carried the body of his 14 month old granddaughter, who was also killed during the conflict, alongside several other members of the family who lost their lives in the strikes.
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