Tehran: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been officially invited to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a joint United States and Israeli air strike at the beginning of the West Asian conflict earlier this year.
The invitation was extended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran prepares for one of the most significant state ceremonies in its recent history. The funeral, which was originally scheduled to take place in early March, was postponed because of the continuing regional conflict and security concerns. Iranian authorities later decided to hold the ceremonies in July after months of planning and preparation.
According to Iranian officials, farewell ceremonies for the late leader will take place in the capital city of Tehran on July 4 and July 5. Large crowds are expected to gather in the city to pay their final respects to the man who led Iran for several decades and played a major role in shaping the country's political and religious direction.
Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body will be taken to his birthplace, the holy city of Mashhad. His burial is scheduled for July 9. Iranian authorities have announced that he will be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Reza, one of the most important religious sites in the country and a place that attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
Officials expect hundreds of thousands of people to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies. Several world leaders are also expected to be present. In addition to India, invitations have reportedly been sent to leaders from Russia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and several other countries with diplomatic ties to Iran.
The invitation to Prime Minister Modi highlights the longstanding relationship between India and Iran. Despite changing regional and global political dynamics, the two countries have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations over the years. During the months of conflict that followed the attack, Prime Minister Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly held multiple discussions with Iranian leaders regarding regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
Soon after Khamenei's death, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian government. The gesture was viewed as a sign of respect for the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 during the first phase of coordinated attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. The strike marked a major turning point in the conflict and triggered widespread reactions across the Middle East and beyond.
Reports indicate that Khamenei's son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the attack. Since assuming leadership responsibilities, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances, leading to continued speculation about his health and security situation.
The attack also claimed the lives of several members of Khamenei's family. His daughter Zahra Haddad Adel, her husband Misbah Al Huda Bagheri, and their son were among those reported killed alongside the Iranian leader.
As Iran prepares for the funeral, the event is expected to serve not only as a moment of national mourning but also as a symbol of political transition. The ceremonies will bring together religious leaders, government officials, foreign dignitaries and ordinary citizens as the country remembers one of the most influential figures in its modern history.