Iran's government has set funeral arrangements for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ceremonies begin in Tehran on July 4, with burial planned for July 9 in Mashhad.
Additional mourning events will take place in Qom on July 7, Reuters reported. Millions of Iranians are expected to participate in nationwide tributes.
Islamic law typically requires burial within 24 hours of death. Iran's authorities have made an exception in this case, citing extraordinary circumstances.
Khamenei led the Islamic Republic for 36 years before his death. Israeli and U.S. air strikes on February 28 killed him in his central Tehran compound.
During his three decades in power, he reshaped Iran's role in global affairs. He positioned the nation as a major challenger to American influence across the Middle East.
His government strengthened ties with regional militias, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon. At home, he maintained strict control and repeatedly cracked down on opposition movements.
Relations with Washington remained frozen throughout his tenure. U.S. administrations struggled to negotiate with Tehran over nuclear program disputes.
Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, has assumed the role of Supreme Leader. The 56-year-old was wounded in the same strike that killed his mother.
Peace negotiations are underway as the funeral preparations proceed. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Saturday that Iran and the United States had agreed on a peace framework.
According to Sharif, both nations expect to finalize an initial agreement soon. The conflict has lasted more than three months.
