Iran has scheduled the funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from June 26 to July 5, unfolding alongside the second 10 days of Muharram. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani has confirmed these dates following Khamenei’s assassination on February 28, 2026, amidst US-Israeli military strikes.
Originally, the funeral was anticipated for early March, shortly after Khamenei’s death was reported by Iranian state media. After delays, the new dates have now been set, and a nationwide mourning period of 40 days has been declared, along with a seven-day national holiday.
The upcoming ceremonies will encompass three days of processions in major cities, including Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, with attendance estimates soaring to 20 million people. Notably, the Tehran ceremony is expected to last a minimum of 24 hours.
In the context of Iran’s political landscape, Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, has emerged as a potentially significant figure for succession. The constitution mandates that the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member group of clerics, designate the next Supreme Leader. Khamenei’s leadership spanned 35 years, having held the title since 1989.
Amidst this transition, Iran continues to grapple with stringent international sanctions. The government has oscillated between embracing Bitcoin mining for revenue generation and effectuating crackdowns on unauthorized operations. However, no specific cryptocurrency tokens or protocols are directly linked to the funeral or the political succession process.