Iran has postponed the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which was scheduled to begin Wednesday evening in Tehran, state television reported. Authorities said the decision was made to accommodate what is expected to be an exceptionally large turnout of mourners, and a new date for the ceremony will be announced later.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian officials had said that tributes for the late leader would take place that evening before his burial in the holy city of Mashhad, where he was born.
However, organisers later said preparations were underway to ensure there was sufficient infrastructure to manage the massive crowds reportedly anticipated at the event.
The state funeral was planned following confirmation by Iranian state media that Khamenei, 86, had died. Iranian broadcasters initially announced his death with mourning banners, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
At this time, officials have not linked the postponement to security concerns, even as regional tensions remain high.