Iran announces weeklong ceremonies, tightens security, and prepares for millions of mourners.
This week, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that a large number of officials from both regional and nonregional countries have expressed their readiness to attend the funeral ceremonies of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The events will be held simultaneously in Iraq and Iran from July 4 to July 9.
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Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, who also heads the funeral organizing headquarters, said that more than 30 countries and religious leaders from more than 90 countries have expressed their readiness to attend the funeral ceremonies.
On July 3, a ceremony will be held in Tehran with the participation of foreign leaders, officials and religious figures to pay tribute to the late leader. Farewell ceremonies in Tehran will begin at Imam Khomeini’s Mosalla prayer hall on Saturday morning and continue through Sunday.
A funeral procession is scheduled for Monday and is expected to draw large crowds from Iran and other countries in the region. On July 7, a ceremony will be held in the Iranian city of Qom.
On July 8, the leader’s body will be transferred to Iraq for additional rites. He will be laid to rest in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad on July 9.
A joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike killed Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and 98 other Iranian leaders on Feb. 28. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as Iran’s new supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts in March.
JUST IN: Iran is preparing a massive venue for the state funeral of Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting millions of mourners to attend what could become one of the largest funeral gatherings in the country’s history. pic.twitter.com/TxCXV6ouOL
— IRAN IRGCC (@IranIRGCC) July 1, 2026
Iranian Army Reinforces Borders Ahead of Funeral
On Thursday, the Iranian Army reinforced its deployment along the country’s borders and in Tehran as part of security measures for the funeral. The Air Force is maintaining surveillance of the country’s airspace and air traffic control to ensure security amid the arrival of political and religious figures.
The Iranian Army, the Rescue and Relief Organization, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are coordinating efforts to keep helicopters on maximum alert to monitor air traffic and participate in potential medical evacuations and emergency response operations.
Iranian authorities have opened four accommodation complexes for pilgrims at strategic locations in and around Tehran. These facilities will begin operating on Friday to serve the millions of people expected to attend the funeral ceremonies.
Iran’s Guardian Council issued a statement describing the funeral of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as a symbol of Iran’s strength.
“By committing this heinous crime, the enemy deceived itself into believing it could break the will of this nation, but it failed to understand that the Leader’s martyrdom would become a beacon of resistance and a light that would guide the nation toward victory,” it said.
“The presence of the Iranian people at the funeral of the martyred Leader is not merely an occasion for mourning, but a demonstration of the faith and loyalty of a people who for years walked the path of dignity and resistance under his leadership and guidance,” the Guardian Council added.
“This solemn ceremony symbolizes Iran’s strength in confronting the forces of arrogance and represents an opportunity to renew our commitment to the principles of the Revolution and to recognize decades of struggle and wise leadership that have left us with an enduring legacy of hope and resilience.”
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: Xinhua – HispanTV
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