Over 90 countries declare readiness to attend funeral ceremony of martyred Leader

Representatives from more than 90 countries, along with religious leaders, scholars and prominent figures from across the world, have expressed their readiness to attend the funeral ceremonies of martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, according to an Iranian official.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Iran's Deputy Interior Minister for Security affairs and secretary of the funeral organizing committee, said that more than 30 countries have already submitted formal requests to send high-ranking delegations to the ceremonies.

Pourjamshidian went on to say that the funeral had been postponed to allow sufficient time for organizing a major national and international event amid the country's recent circumstances.

He also noted that, in accordance with decisions by the office of the late leader and the guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the ceremonies will be held over several days.

The official said the events have been planned under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council, the Office of the Leader and a national headquarters established by the administration under First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

Specialized committees covering security, logistics, infrastructure, cultural affairs, media, universities and international relations have also been formed to oversee the ceremonies.

Funeral and farewell ceremonies will take place in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad and Iraq. Provincial headquarters have been established in Tehran, Qom and Khorasan Razavi Province, while coordinating committees have also been formed across the country to facilitate public participation.

Pourjamshidian said Iraq has established a national organizing committee chaired by the Iraqi prime minister's office following extensive coordination between Iranian and Iraqi officials, including meetings attended by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi with Iraq's president, prime minister and other senior officials.

According to the announced timetable, the body will be transferred to Iraq on July 8, where an official reception is expected to be held at either Baghdad or Najaf airport with the participation of senior Iraqi officials. Funeral processions and commemorative ceremonies are then scheduled to take place in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

The following day, July 9, funeral prayers and burial ceremonies are planned in the holy city of Mashhad, where the martyred leader and his family are expected to be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Reza.

Pourjamshidian further noted that the ceremonies are intended to demonstrate Iran's national strength, reinforce unity among the Iranian people and the wider Islamic world, and serve as an occasion for renewed allegiance to the country's new leader.

He added that broad participation from Islamic countries, including Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other neighboring states, is expected to further strengthen solidarity across the Muslim world.

Pourjamshidian also said authorities have announced public holidays to facilitate attendance, including July 4-5 in Tehran Province, a nationwide holiday on July 6 for the main funeral procession in Tehran, a holiday in Qom on July 7, and a holiday in Khorasan Razavi Province on July 9.

He also urged participants to use public transportation rather than private vehicles, noting that Tehran's metro system and municipal buses will operate free of charge, with the metro providing round-the-clock service during the ceremonies, adding that large parking areas will also be available at the capital's entrances for visitors arriving by car.

Pourjamshidian further said more than 300 foreign journalists have registered to cover the ceremonies, adding that authorities have no plans to impose internet restrictions during the events and have established a national public information hotline to assist participants.

He also said the burial site in the Imam Reza shrine has been selected to ensure convenient public access while minimizing disruption to other pilgrims.

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