Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to sources.
The funeral will begin on July 4 and conclude with his burial in Mashad, his hometown in northeastern Iran, on July 9.
Khamenei, 86, was killed on February 28 during the first day of Israeli and US airstrikes against Tehran. He had served as the head of the Islamic Republic for 36 years, shaping Iran’s political and religious landscape.
Iranian state media reported that funeral arrangements will include ceremonies in Qom, a holy city south of Tehran, on July 7. The extended schedule reflects exceptions permitted under Islamic law, which usually requires burial within a day of death. The delay comes amid ongoing conflict and logistical challenges.
Reports earlier speculated that the burial could take place at the end of June, but state media confirmed July as the final schedule. The ceremonies are expected to draw global attention, with leaders from several countries likely to attend.
India’s participation would underscore its diplomatic ties with Iran at a time of heightened regional tensions.
