What is the story about?
Iran is preparing to hold the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from July 4 to July 9, with ceremonies scheduled in Tehran,
Qom, and Mashhad. The funeral, originally planned for March following his assassination on February 28, was postponed because of the Iran war. Iranian authorities are expecting millions of mourners and delegations from dozens of countries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said guests from around 100 countries, including heads of government, parliamentary speakers, foreign ministers, special envoys, and other political delegations, are expected to attend.
List of World Leaders Attending Khamenei's Funeral
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will attend the funeral, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed. A high-level Pakistani delegation will accompany him to Tehran.
China will be represented by He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
India is sending Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to represent the country. India's Foreign Ministry said the high-level representation reflects the importance of the long-standing ties between the two nations.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will attend as President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, according to Iran's state-owned Press TV.
Georgia's President Mikheil Kavelashvili is also expected to attend, while Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon is among the foreign leaders reportedly travelling to Tehran.
Iranian officials have also said representatives from more than 30 countries, along with religious leaders from over 90 countries, are expected at the funeral. Two senior Taliban officials, Afghanistan's deputy prime minister and acting foreign minister, will also be present.
Will Mojtaba Khamenei Attend the Funeral?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the funeral is whether Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, will make a public appearance.
According to Iranian government sources cited by Times Now, Mojtaba Khamenei is unlikely to attend because of security concerns. He was seriously wounded in the February 28 strike that killed his father and has not appeared publicly since the conflict began, communicating only through written statements.
Iranian officials say he is recovering from his injuries and has continued to direct Tehran's negotiations with Washington.
If Mojtaba Khamenei appears during the funeral ceremonies, it would mark his first public appearance since the war began. If he does not attend, it is expected to raise further questions about his condition and leadership.
