Iran Postpones Khamenei State Funeral

Iran has postponed the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which had been scheduled for Wednesday evening in Tehran, because of preparations for an exceptionally large crowd.

State Television reported that the farewell ceremony had been pushed back, adding that a new date would be announced later. 

“The farewell ceremony for the martyred Imam has been postponed. The new date will be announced later.”

Khamenei, who died at 86 following weekend strikes by US and Israeli forces, was initially to be honoured in Tehran before burial in his hometown of Mashhad.

Officials said earlier in the day that a tribute would be held in the capital, but the plan was revised hours later. 

Authorities did not directly connect the postponement to the ongoing security situation, despite continued strikes on Tehran targeting military and government facilities since Saturday.

However, Mohsen Mahmoudi, who heads the body organising the funeral, explained that the delay was driven by expectations of a massive turnout, noting that preparations were needed to accommodate millions of mourners and ensure adequate infrastructure for the event.