Iranian authorities plan to hold funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from July 4 to July 9 across Iran and Iraq, months after his death.
The delay has raised questions about the condition of his son and successor and criticism from detractors who say the state is trying to inflate attendance.
Iraq has confirmed that funeral processions for Khamenei will be held in Najaf and Karbala, two Shiite holy cities south of Baghdad. Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units have invited local and foreign media to register for accreditation to cover the events.
More on the funeral schedule below:
- A tribute ceremony for foreign leaders and senior officials is planned in Tehran on July 3, with public farewell ceremonies set for July 4 and 5 at the capital’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla, according to a schedule published by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
- A funeral procession in the capital is scheduled for July 6.
- Further ceremonies are planned for July 7 in Qom, July 8 in Najaf and Karbala, and July 9 in Mashhad, which is considered Iran’s Shiite spiritual capital. The northeastern city is also Khamenei’s hometown, and he is to be buried there at the Shrine of Imam Reza, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam and a major pilgrimage destination.
