Iran declares July 6 public holiday for Khamenei funeral

The Iranian government has announced a nationwide public holiday on July 6 to mark the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The decision comes as the country prepares for several days of mourning and funeral events across multiple cities.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the public holiday will help mourners return to their hometowns after attending the funeral ceremonies in Tehran. She added that the government expects large crowds to participate in the farewell events.

According to the official schedule, a national day of mourning will also be observed across Iran. Funeral prayers and other ceremonies for Ali Khamenei will be held from July 4 to July 8 in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad.

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Officials said Ali Khamenei will be laid to rest in Mashhad on July 8 following the completion of the funeral ceremonies. The government has made arrangements to manage the large number of mourners expected to attend.

Condolence ceremonies will also be held in several Iraqi cities, including Baghdad, Kazmain, Karbala and Najaf, where people are expected to gather to pay their respects.

Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed during the initial US attack on Iran on February 28. His death has led to nationwide mourning ceremonies and official events across Iran, while condolence gatherings have also been planned in neighbouring Iraq.