The state funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been postponed indefinitely due to ongoing Israeli and American strikes on Tehran. The ceremony was initially scheduled to begin this evening at the grand mosque in Tehran but was delayed citing logistical issues and an anticipated unprecedented turnout.
Key Takeaways
Iran has postponed the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to ongoing Israeli and American strikes on Tehran. A three-day farewell ceremony was initially planned but delayed indefinitely, with organizers citing logistical issues and an anticipated unprecedented turnout. Meanwhile, Iran's Assembly of Experts is tasked with appointing a new supreme leader, with Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, emerging as a favorite despite concerns over hereditary succession.
Organizers claimed the delay was necessary to ensure the infrastructure is in place for what is expected to be a massive gathering of mourners. Iranian state media reported that the new date for the farewell ceremony will be announced later. Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, had earlier announced a three-day farewell ceremony followed by a funeral procession.
The official said the public will be able to pay their respects to Khamenei's body at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall starting at 10pm local time. An official 40-day mourning period and a seven-day national holiday were announced in Iran following Khamenei's death, which occurred on Saturday during air strikes by Israel and the US.
Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades, was known for his iron rule based on hostility towards the US and Israel. His leadership spanned significant periods of conflict and diplomatic tension. The funeral will proceed despite ongoing strikes by the IDF, which has declared it is carrying out a 'broad wave' of attacks in Tehran.
The Assembly of Experts, tasked with appointing Khamenei's successor, met on Tuesday in Qom to find a replacement. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, has emerged as a favorite despite concerns over hereditary succession and his lack of official roles within the regime. The Iranian regime's 88-person assembly will play a crucial role in this transition.
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