Iran Delays Burial of Former Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for Over 100 Days

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former supreme leader of Iran, was killed in a joint U.S.-Israel strike on February 28. Although a new supreme leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, was appointed, the body of the slain leader has not been interred even after more than 100 days. Iranian authorities have repeatedly postponed the burial ceremony, citing security and political considerations. This month the government announced plans for final rites to be held in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, with public processions scheduled in each city. Officials have not disclosed the current location of Khamenei’s remains, and state media portray the upcoming events as a display of national unity and support for the regime.