The state funeral for Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israel attack, will be held after the first ten days of Muharram (Ashura). The committee overseeing the funeral arrangements made the announcement, dismissing rumors of an immediate funeral. The decision aims to allow Shia Muslims worldwide to observe the holy period without disruption. Muharram's tenth day, Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. This year, Ashura is expected to fall on June 25 or 26. The exact date for Khamenei's funeral has not been specified, but final coordination for those wishing to attend will be provided.
Background and Context
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in a US-Israel attack on his official residence in Tehran. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, succeeded him as the supreme leader but has not been seen in public since, leading to speculation that he may have been injured in the attack. Iranian authorities have announced plans for a large-scale funeral and mourning procession in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, expecting millions to attend. The Tehran deputy mayor for social and cultural affairs, Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh, stated that the authorities are preparing for a three-day event, with the procession in Tehran expected to last at least 24 hours.
