Millions are expected to attend multi-day public farewells in Iran and Iraq, amid tightened security and warnings of potential attacks. Tensions remain high as foreign delegations arrive.
Iran has begun multi-day funeral ceremonies for the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; millions are expected to attend. The processions with Khamenei’s casket and members of his family have unfolded at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran and are planned at several locations in Iran and Iraq through July 9.
Security tightened: the country expects large crowds and the participation of several foreign delegations. It has not been confirmed whether this will be Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public appearance since the war began.
Tensions are rising: Iran’s army commander warned the United States and Israel of possible attacks during the ceremonies. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States would grant Iran a week off for the funeral.
they give Iran a week off for the funeral
– Donald Trump
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned against any attempts to strike in the coming days and stepped up security measures around the ceremonies.
Footage from the streets of Tehran ahead of the funeral showed heightened patrolling, and on the day of the funeral the airspace above the city was fully closed.
Chronicle of events and international reaction
The ceremony unfolds over several days: on July 4 the public portion began, on July 5 prayers for Khamenei and members of his family are planned, after which the public farewell will continue.
On July 6 the main procession is expected in Tehran, starting at about 6:00 local time; the cortege will travel from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square with prayers.
On July 7 prayers may also take place at Jamkaran Mosque in Qom; on July 8 the body will be transported to Najaf in Iraq with an official reception, after which the route will proceed to the Shrine of Imam Ali, and then return to Iran.
On July 9 a burial is planned at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, the leader’s birthplace. Foreign delegations from China, India and Pakistan are expected to attend, according to their foreign ministries.
The United States and Israel are focused on preventing provocations during the ceremonies; at the same time Western leaders speak of supporting freedom of navigation in the region and stability in the area.