Iran to Host State Funeral for Former Supreme Leader Khamenei Amid Global Attendance

Iran Prepares for Khamenei's State Funeral

The state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to take place in Iran from July 4 to July 9, with events planned in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. Initially scheduled for March after his assassination on February 28, the ceremony was delayed due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Authorities anticipate that millions of mourners will gather, along with delegations from around the globe. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, indicated that representatives from approximately 100 nations, including heads of state and other dignitaries, are expected to participate.

Attendees from Around the World

List of World Leaders Attending Khamenei's Funeral

Confirmed to attend is Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by a senior delegation from Pakistan. China will be represented by He Wei, vice chairman of the National People's Congress, as stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. India is sending Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to signify the importance of their longstanding relationship with Iran.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will attend as a special envoy for President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Georgia's President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon are also expected to be present. Iranian officials have noted that representatives from over 30 countries, along with religious leaders from more than 90 nations, will attend the funeral. Notably, two senior Taliban officials, including Afghanistan's deputy prime minister and acting foreign minister, are also expected to be in attendance.

Mojtaba Khamenei's Possible Attendance

Will Mojtaba Khamenei Attend the Funeral?

A significant point of interest is whether Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, will make an appearance at the funeral. Sources from the Iranian government suggest that he may not attend due to security issues. He sustained serious injuries during the attack that killed his father and has not been seen publicly since the conflict escalated, communicating only through written messages. Officials have stated that he is recovering and continues to oversee negotiations with Washington. Should he appear at the funeral, it would be his first public engagement since the onset of the war; his absence could lead to further speculation regarding his health and leadership capabilities.