Iran prepares for dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war
Iran is holding a weeklong funeral and mourning period for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body will lie in state on July 4th.
Image is an AI-generated illustration, not a real photograph.
Iran is making extensive preparations for a weeklong funeral and memorial services for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, who served as Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, reportedly died in early 2026, with some accounts suggesting his death was due to assassination or military strikes.
The solemn observances, spanning five cities across the nation, are scheduled to commence on July 4, 2026, when his body will lie in state, marking the beginning of the dayslong tribute. As of July 3, 2026, preparations are actively underway for these significant national commemorations.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: reports on the weeklong spectacle, the body lying in state on July 4th, and the continuation of US-Iran talks post-funeral
- BBC: notes the beginning of public mourning for the Ayatollah
- The Guardian: shows images of mourners and preparations, including billboards
- AP: emphasizes the dayslong funeral preparations and the cause of death as 'killed in war'