The months-long confrontation between Iran and the United States appears to be reaching a decisive turning point. Airstrikes are still being traded by both sides and the Strait of Hormuz has remained shut for several months, yet there is growing expectation that peace talks could be finalised today. If that happens, the drawn-out war may finally come to an end. Against this backdrop, Iranian authorities have made public the dates for the farewell ceremonies, procession and burial of the country's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Schedule of Ceremonies
According to TrendKia, the final farewell ceremonies for Khamenei will be held on 4 and 5 July at the Imam Khomeini prayer site in Tehran. The following day, on 6 July, a procession will be taken out in Tehran. The mourning events will then move to other cities — a ceremony in the holy city of Qom on 7 July, followed by one in Mashhad on 9 July.
Burial at the Mashhad Shrine
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's body will be buried at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. This site, deeply revered by Shia Muslims, will serve as his final resting place.
How Khamenei Was Killed
Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died on 28 February 2026. He, along with several other senior Iranian leaders, was killed in the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. After his death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader.
Parliament Speaker Honours the Fallen
Meanwhile, Iran's top negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf paid tribute to those killed, marking the anniversary of last year's 12-day war. On the occasion, he renewed his pledge to keep standing firm against pressure from the United States and Israel.
Accusation of Targeting Civilians and Children
Marking one year since the conflict first began, Qalibaf levelled a grave accusation against the US and Israel, charging them with targeting ordinary civilians and children during the war. In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote, 'It has been a year since the beginning of the first round of criminal attacks by the Israeli and American regimes on our eternal home, Iran. They killed innocent children and shied away from no crime or cruelty.'
He went on to stress that the country would remain steadfast until the 'end of glory' and 'final victory.' In Qalibaf's words, 'Inspired by the brave and suffering martyrs of the 12-day war, we will stand resolute to the very end for the honour and final victory of our beloved Iran.'
