Iran Announces Six-Day Funeral Program for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Across Five Cities

TEHRAN: Iran's Martyrs' Headquarters has unveiled a six-day funeral schedule for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies set to take place across five cities from July 4 to July 9.

According to PressTV, the funeral proceedings will begin with two farewell ceremonies on July 4 and July 5 at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran. A major funeral procession is scheduled to take place in the Iranian capital on Monday, July 6, drawing participants from across the country and abroad.

Funeral Procession to Include Family Members and Other Martyrs

Officials said Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's coffin will be carried alongside the coffins of four other martyrs, including Dr. Mosbah al-Hoda Bagheri, Sayyeda Bushra Hosseini Khamenei, Zahra Haddad Adel, and Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani.

The procession is expected to be one of the largest public gatherings in recent Iranian history, with thousands anticipated to participate in the farewell ceremonies.

Religious Ceremonies Planned in Qom

Following the events in Tehran, funeral prayers will be offered in the holy city of Qom on July 7. Prominent religious scholars, clerics, and members of Iran's religious establishment are expected to attend the ceremony.

Authorities stated that the event will provide an opportunity for religious leaders and followers to pay their final respects to the late supreme leader and the other martyrs.

Procession to Continue in Iraq

After the ceremonies in Iran, the funeral cortege will travel to Iraq on July 8, where additional services will be held in the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Organizers noted that details regarding the venues and timings of the Iraqi ceremonies will be announced separately by the relevant Iraqi authorities.

The inclusion of Najaf and Karbala in the funeral program reflects the deep religious significance these cities hold for millions of Muslims around the world.

Burial Scheduled at Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad

The final stage of the funeral program will take place on July 9, when Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei will be laid to rest at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad.

According to organizers, the burial date coincides with the night commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Sajjad, adding further religious significance to the occasion.

Officials have also announced that the main slogan of the funeral ceremonies will be "Must Rise," while events in the Arab world will carry the slogan "Qoomu Lillah."

International Delegations Expected to Attend

Iranian authorities stated that political leaders, religious figures, diplomats, and official delegations from various countries are expected to participate in different stages of the funeral program.

The ceremonies are anticipated to draw significant international attention due to Ayatollah Khamenei's longstanding role in regional and global affairs.

Pakistan to Send Delegation for Funeral Prayers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that Pakistan will send an official delegation to participate in the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late supreme leader.

While addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister revealed that he recently received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

During the conversation, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan and its people for their support during a difficult period and discussed matters of mutual interest between the two neighboring countries.

Invitation Extended Between Pakistani and Iranian Leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he invited President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan, and the Iranian president accepted the invitation.

"I told President Pezeshkian that the people of Pakistan would warmly welcome him whenever he visits the country," the prime minister stated.

According to Shehbaz Sharif, the Iranian president also invited him to attend the funeral prayers of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pakistan Reaffirms Brotherly Ties with Iran

The prime minister said he assured President Pezeshkian that Pakistan would participate in the funeral ceremonies.

"I assured him that we would attend the funeral. A Pakistani delegation will participate to demonstrate the deep respect and brotherly ties that exist between our two nations," he said.

The participation of a Pakistani delegation is being viewed as a reflection of the longstanding diplomatic, cultural, and religious relations shared by Pakistan and Iran.

According to reports, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family were killed on February 28 in what Iranian authorities described as an unprovoked US-Israeli attack on Iran.