The funeral ceremonies for Iran’s former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, will begin on July 4 in Tehran and conclude with his burial on July 9 in Mashhad. The start of the event falls on the same day as the United States celebrates its Independence Day, marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Khamenei, who died at the age of 86 during the first days of Israeli-American airstrikes on February 28, will be laid to rest more than 100 days after his death. The delay was caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has repeatedly postponed the state funeral. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has already succeeded him as the supreme leader.
According to an official statement broadcast on Iranian state television, the farewell ceremony will take place at the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in Tehran on July 4 and 5. The funeral procession will move to Tehran on July 6, to Qom on July 7, and finally to Mashhad on July 9, where Khamenei will be buried in his hometown.
A funeral coinciding with america’s birthday
The choice of July 4 for the beginning of the ceremonies is striking, as it overlaps with the U.S. Independence Day, which this year carries special significance as the country celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The coincidence underscores the deep tensions between Tehran and Washington, especially amid the ongoing conflict.
Khamenei’s death on February 28 sparked a mix of disbelief, joy and mourning on the streets of Tehran. After more than 30 years in power, he was replaced by his son Mojtaba, who now holds the dual spiritual and political authority in the Islamic Republic.
A contested truce and peace talks
The war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, has been under a fragile ceasefire since April 8. Despite diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, exchanges of fire have continued and intensified in recent days. On Friday, a senior U.S. administration official told journalists that a preliminary text for a peace deal had been agreed with Iran.
– The text of a preliminary agreement has already been agreed with Iran and we estimate the chances of signing it at 80-85 percent – said the senior U.S. administration official.
However, Esmail Baghei, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied reports that the so-called Islamabad memorandum would be signed on Sunday. – It cannot be ruled out that the memorandum will be signed in the coming days – Baghei said. He added that caution is needed regarding any statements about the signing date due to what he called fluctuations on the other side.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
