Overview
- Iran has officially set a multi-day state funeral that will move through Tehran, Qom and Iraqi holy cities and conclude with burial at the Imam Reza Shrine on July 9, according to Iranian officials.
- The Iranian army will help organize the ceremonies and Razavi Khorasan officials have publicly proposed an airborne procession to reduce crowding and improve security.
- Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to be carrying out leadership duties while the Assembly of Experts remains the constitutional body expected to confirm a permanent successor.
- Pakistan has signaled high-level participation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to lead a delegation and Iraqi authorities will host processions in Najaf and Karbala.
- Officials expect very large turnout that could strain security and shape regional diplomacy, so analysts will be watching funeral security, statements by the Assembly of Experts and foreign delegations’ arrivals.