Iran gears up for the burial of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his birthplace of Mashhad at the sacred Imam Reza shrine, where his father rests, following his death at 86 in US-Israel strikes.
Tehran Memorial First
A massive public farewell ceremony will precede the Mashhad burial, organized by the IRGC to allow officials and citizens to pay respects amid tight security. No exact date is confirmed, though Friday prayers timing is speculated; a 40-day national mourning period includes public holidays.
Mourners already fill Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom streets, blending grief with vows of retaliation as US President Trump confirmed the strike on Truth Social.
Succession Shadow
With son Mojtaba Khamenei emerging as frontrunner under IRGC pressure, the Assembly of Experts delays final voting until post-funeral for security after strikes hit their Qom and Tehran buildings. An interim council—President Pezeshkian, judiciary head Ejei, Guardian Council jurist—holds power temporarily.
India’s Stake High
As Hormuz traps 37 Indian ships with 1,109 sailors, MEA’s control room coordinates rescues alongside 25-day fuel buffers and Russia’s supply pledge. Modi’s Gulf diplomacy and 58 flight resumptions continue amid this pivotal Iranian transition.
