Iran has begun funeral preparations for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla mosque complex in Tehran [1, 2].
The ceremony marks a critical transition for the Islamic Republic after the death of its highest authority, who was killed in airstrikes in February 2026 [1, 5].
Workers at the mosque complex have been observed pressure-washing the ground and hanging banners that bear the image of the late leader [1, 2]. These activities indicate a ground-based ceremony, contradicting some reports of an airborne event [1]. The state funeral is expected to be a multi-day affair [3].
International delegations are preparing to attend the services. According to Samaa TV, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Tehran for the funeral [4]. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Sharif will convey condolences and reaffirm solidarity with Iran [4].
These events occur amid broader regional instability. While Tehran prepares for the burial, diplomatic efforts continue in the region. A spokesperson for Qatar said there has been "positive progress" in ongoing talks [3].
Khamenei's death in February [1] created a power vacuum that the Iranian state is now formally addressing through these public rites. The scale of the preparations at the Mosalla complex suggests the government intends to project strength and continuity during the transition [1, 2].
“Funeral preparations are underway, including pressure‑washing the ground and hanging banners”
The transition from the death of a Supreme Leader in February to a formal state funeral in July suggests a period of internal consolidation or logistical complexity within the Iranian leadership. The presence of high-level foreign dignitaries like Shehbaz Sharif, coupled with Qatari-mediated diplomatic progress, indicates that regional powers are attempting to stabilize relations with Tehran to prevent further escalation following the airstrikes.
