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Iran: Diplomatic sources stated on Wednesday that Iranian (Iran) President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral of the country’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. There has been no confirmation from New Delhi regarding the invitation received by PM Modi. According to sources, numerous global leaders are expected to gather for the occasion. The 86-year-old Ali Khamenei was killed on the very first day of Israeli and US airstrikes on Tehran on February 28 of this year. He had held the highest office in the Islamic Republic of Iran for the past 36 years.
Five-Day Funeral Procession
According to official sources and Iranian media, the funeral proceedings will commence on July 5. Special mourning gatherings and rituals will be held on July 7 in the holy city of Qom, located south of Tehran. Ali Khamenei’s mortal remains will be laid to rest on July 9 in his hometown and the holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.
Although Islamic law mandates that a body be buried as soon as possible—usually within 24 hours—exceptions are made during times of war or under special circumstances. Speculation regarding the funeral dates had been ongoing since the attack in February. Initial reports suggested a burial in late June, but state media later confirmed it would take place in July.
Potential Record for the World’s Largest Funeral Procession
An estimated 20 million people are expected to participate in the funeral events across Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom. If this figure proves accurate, it will break the record set by the crowd of 10 million that gathered for the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 1989. Several Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are also expected to attend the event.
**Uncertainty Surrounding the New Supreme Leader and His Health**
Following the death of Ali Khamenei, his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, assumed the role of Iran’s new Supreme Leader on March 8. However, there is currently widespread speculation and uncertainty regarding his health and whereabouts. Several top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in a coma.
**Peace Deal Between Iran and the US**
The months-long, intense conflict had plunged the entire West Asia (Middle East) region into crisis, triggering a severe global fuel and energy shortage. However, a peace agreement has now been reached between Iran and the United States. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump have signed separate digital memoranda of understanding. High-level talks are currently underway in Switzerland to establish long-term peace between the two nations.
