Iran Buries Khamenei After Six-Day Funeral Procession

Overview

• The body of Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad at the Imam Reza shrine after a six-day public funeral that passed through Tehran, Qom and the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, with the final rites held Thursday.
• State media and officials said millions attended the processions and the governor of Mashhad claimed up to 15 million people could be present at the burial, a figure presented as part of the official display of support.
• Ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala included official honors from Iraqi authorities, visible participation by pro‑Tehran militias and crowds chanting anti‑U.S. and anti‑Israeli slogans.
• Organizers said the bodies of Khamenei and relatives were preserved in line with religious and legal norms until burial, and outside experts told reporters refrigeration is the most likely method used to delay interment.
• The funeral unfolded while U.S. air operations against Iranian targets resumed and Iran reported counterstrikes on U.S.-linked facilities, a sequence that could strengthen Tehran’s domestic position and raise the chance of further military escalation.