Akshay DidwaniyaIran’s top security body says those responsible for the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will face punishment. Funeral ceremonies have been scheduled from July 4 to 9, with a mourning event also planned in Iraq’s holy Shia cities.
Iran has declared that those responsible for the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be brought to justice. Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), made the announcement publicly.
Khamenei was killed during joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. Authorities could not hold farewell ceremonies during March due to ongoing attacks. The government later decided to postpone the event, citing the need for proper infrastructure preparation. He is to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad.
“The case for avenging the innocent blood of the great Khamenei and the innocently slain martyrs of Iran is open,” the SNSC stated on its official X (formerly Twitter) page. “Those responsible for these crimes will be punished by righteous people at the right time, which will not be late.”
Iranian authorities confirmed that farewell and funeral events for Khamenei will run from July 4 to 9. Farewell ceremonies and a funeral procession will take place in Tehran from July 4 to 6. The procession then moves to Qom on July 7. The final burial will happen in Mashhad on July 9.
Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Secretary of the Supreme Leader’s Funeral Headquarters, added further details. He confirmed that Khamenei’s body, along with those of his family members, will be taken to Iraq on July 8. A mourning ceremony will be held in Karbala and Najaf cities sacred to Shia Muslims worldwide.
Iran also freed 850 convicted prisoners during the mourning period as a gesture of mercy, authorities confirmed separately on the same day.
Mayur Mohta
Aditya Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal