Iran postpones Ayatollah Ali Khamenei funeral to late June/early July

Tehran Mayor Ali Reza Zakani announced that the official burial ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been postponed, with the new date expected at the end of June or the beginning of July. State media reported that the funeral rites will be held on July 4‑5 2026 (19‑20 Muharram) at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and will also take place at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in Tehran. Iranian officials said the schedule was changed to allow sufficient time for security preparations and to accommodate the large number of domestic and foreign dignitaries expected to attend.

The delay shifts the ceremony away from the earlier speculation that it would occur at the start of the sacred month of Muharram, and authorities indicated that a formal announcement of the final date and venue will be made once arrangements are finalized.