Tehran, June 3, 2026. Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will be buried nearly four months after his death. According to his final wishes, Khamenei will be laid to rest near the holy shrine complex of Imam Reza, a revered figure in Shia Islam, in the city of Mashhad.

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Khamenei’s final farewell may take place around June 21. He was killed on February 28 in an attack by the United States and Israel at his residence in Tehran.

Reports indicate that Khamenei died on February 28, 2026, during strikes by the United States and Israel. Following his death, national mourning was declared in Iran, but regional conflict and security risks repeatedly delayed a public funeral.

His state funeral was initially scheduled for March 4, but was postponed due to the war. Authorities expect that about 20 million people may attend funeral ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. Three full days have been set aside for the public to pay their final respects and tributes.

Khamenei’s main funeral ceremony will take place in Tehran and is expected to last at least 24 hours. Afterwards, the body will be taken to the religious city of Qom and then to Mashhad, where it will be buried at the shrine complex of Imam Reza.

An official from the Tehran municipality stated that before burial, Khamenei’s body will be carried in a final procession through the streets of Qom and Mashhad. This information was provided in a statement by the IRGC.

holy shrine complex of Imam Reza

The Holy Shrine Complex of Imam Reza in Mashhad, Iran, is the largest mosque in the world by area and the most sacred site in Shia Islam. It houses the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, who died in 818 CE, and has been expanded over centuries, particularly during the Safavid and Qajar dynasties. The complex includes museums, libraries, and courtyards, drawing millions of pilgrims annually.

Tehran

Tehran, the capital of Iran, is a sprawling metropolis with a history dating back to the 13th century, though it rose to prominence in the late 18th century when it became the capital of the Qajar dynasty. The city blends ancient heritage with modernity, featuring landmarks like the Golestan Palace and the Azadi Tower, which reflect its royal past and revolutionary history. Today, Tehran is a vibrant cultural and political hub, home to numerous museums, bazaars, and institutions that showcase Iran’s rich and complex identity.

Mashhad

Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran, is the country’s second-largest city and a major religious center. It is most famous for housing the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, whose death in 817 CE transformed the area into a pilgrimage site. The city grew around this holy complex, and today it attracts millions of pilgrims annually, blending deep religious history with a vibrant modern urban life.

Qom

Qom is a major religious and cultural center in Iran, best known as a holy city for Shia Muslims. It is home to the shrine of Fatima Masumeh, a revered figure in Shia Islam, and serves as a global hub for Islamic scholarship, hosting the Qom Seminary (Hawza). The city’s significance grew after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, as it became a key base for religious and political leadership under figures like Ayatollah Khomeini.