TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have postponed the farewell ceremony for the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, which was scheduled to take place in Tehran, according to reports from the Tasnim News Agency.
Earlier, Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of the Islamic Propagation Council, had announced that the ceremony would begin at 10pm local time at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall in Tehran, a major religious complex where the country traditionally holds Friday congregational prayers.
However, officials later confirmed that the event has been delayed due to logistical challenges and requests from citizens across Iran who want to attend the ceremony.
According to organizers, Khamenei’s body will be placed in state at the prayer hall, where the public will be allowed to pay their respects for three days once the ceremony begins. Authorities expect an exceptionally large turnout during the mourning period.
According to the Saudi Gazette, following the three-day tribute, a funeral procession will be held, though the exact schedule has not yet been finalized. Officials said further details about the arrangements will be announced once planning is completed.
Security is expected to be tight during the mourning events, as tensions remain high following ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities are reportedly taking extra precautions to protect large public gatherings.
Khamenei killed by the Israel- US joint strikes on Saturday at the age of 86, had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, succeeding the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Khomeini.
As supreme leader, he held the highest authority in Iran, overseeing the country’s political system, armed forces, and judiciary while also serving as its leading religious figure.
Reports about his burial place remain mixed. Some Iranian media outlets suggest he may be laid to rest in Mashhad, the northeastern city where he was born.
Tragically, several members of Khamenei’s family – including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren – were also killed during the first day of the US-Israeli offensive that began on Saturday. The broader conflict has reportedly claimed nearly 800 lives across Iran, including many civilians.
Meanwhile, senior cleric Ahmad Khatami said the country is close to selecting Khamenei’s successor. Speaking on state television, he indicated that discussions within key leadership bodies are nearing completion despite the ongoing wartime conditions.
