What You Need to Know
• Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike on February 28, 2026.
• An estimated 15 million people are expected to attend Khamenei’s funeral in Mashhad, Iran.
• Khamenei will be buried in the Shrine of Imam Reza alongside family members who died in the strikes.
On July 9, 2026, Iranians gathered in Mashhad for the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike during the United States–Israel war on Iran. The funeral marks the conclusion of six days of ceremonies held in Tehran, Qom, and Iraq, allowing citizens to pay their respects. Thousands filled the streets of Mashhad, braving temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). The funeral was delayed from its original start time of 6 a.m. local time to 2 p.m. due to extended ceremonies in Iraq. Khamenei is set to be interred in the Shrine of Imam Reza, with the funeral prayer led by 101-year-old Ayatollah Hossein Noori Hamedani. He will be buried alongside family members who were also killed in the strikes.
Why It Matters
The death of Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for over 35 years, represents a significant shift in the country’s leadership and political landscape. His passing comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have escalated into military conflict. The anticipated attendance of 15 million mourners underscores Khamenei’s influence and the potential for unrest during this transitional period. Observers are particularly focused on the whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei, who may succeed his father, as he has not made public appearances since the attack.
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