The late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei funeral will officially begin on July 4, 2026, after being delayed for several months. Iranian officials confirmed the burial was postponed because of security concerns, the war, and the difficulty of managing the huge crowds expected to attend.
Irani media said that his body was carefully preserved according to Islamic traditions and legal rules until the funeral could be held safely. Following peace talks and complete ceasefire Iran has opened the routes.
The country was facing security risks during the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. At the same time, millions of people were expected to attend the funeral, making it difficult to organize the event safely.
Officials said they wanted to make sure everything was properly arranged before holding the final burial.
Full Funeral Schedule
The funeral ceremonies will take place in different cities over six days.
July 4–5: Public farewell ceremonies will be held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Musalla in Tehran.
July 6: A large funeral procession will move through Tehran from Imam Hussein Square to Azadi Square.
July 7: Funeral prayers and another procession will be held in the holy city of Qom.
July 8: The body is expected to travel to Najaf Sharif and Karbala Moazma for special commemorative events.
July 9: The final burial held at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown.
Some people believe that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, could lead the prayer if he attends. However, there has been no official confirmation. Many political and religious leaders have been invited to the funeral.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the funeral. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Invitations were also sent to several political and religious figures from Jammu and Kashmir. The Ayatollah Ali Khamenei funeral is expected to be one of the largest events in Iran’s history.