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Over 100 days after death: Iran announces six-day funeral for Ali Khamenei, burial in Mashhad on July 9

Iran has announced a six-day funeral for Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies in Tehran and Qom before his burial in Mashhad on July 9 amid ongoing regional tensions.

By Sarwesh Sri Bardhan

Jun 13, 2026 19:08 IST

Iran will begin funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on July 4 and conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.

According to state media reports, the schedule marks the first formal public timeline for the ceremonies after months of delay following Khamenei’s death in February during Israeli and US strikes on Iran.

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A solemn progress across Persia's sacred path

The announcement said the funeral would start in Tehran and end in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where Khamenei would be buried.

The ceremonies are expected to move from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad, with burial at the Imam Reza Shrine, which is the holiest site for Shiite devotees. Funerals for Khamenei’s daughter and son-in-law, who were killed in the same strike, are expected to be held on the same day.

While bells toll, negotiators confer

The timing of the funeral comes alongside signs of diplomatic movement in the wider conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal aimed at ending the war was closer than “ever before” and could be finalized within 24 hours. Sharif said in a post on X that Pakistan welcomed the commitment shown by the United States and Iran during negotiations.

The funeral announcement landed as mediators said an agreement to end the war was close.

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A chapter closes in the Islamic Republic

Khamenei’s death marked the end of more than three decades at the head of the Islamic Republic, where he had reshaped the state after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since replaced him. Iran’s state-run television, IRIB, reported the funeral schedule, while state media had released the program on Saturday.

FAQs

Q1: When will Ali Khamenei be buried?

Ans: Ali Khamenei is scheduled to be buried in Mashhad on July 9 after six days of funeral ceremonies across Iran.

Q2: Where will Ali Khamenei's funeral ceremonies take place?

Ans: The ceremonies are expected to begin in Tehran, continue through Qom, and conclude in Mashhad at the Imam Reza Shrine.

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