Iran postpones Ali Khamenei funeral hours before schedule

Iran postponed the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei hours before it was scheduled to begin Wednesday evening in Tehran, citing an expected 'unprecedented turnout' of mourners. The ceremony, which had been planned for Wednesday, was cancelled just hours before commencement. Iranian state television announced the postponement, stating 'the farewell ceremony for the martyred Imam has been postponed. The new date will be announced later.' Authorities initially planned a tribute ceremony in Tehran before transporting Khamenei's body to Mashhad for burial, but later confirmed the event's delay due to the massive expected crowd. Mohsen Mahmoudi, head of Tehran's Islamic Development Coordination Council, explained the postponement was necessary to provide proper infrastructure for millions of anticipated attendees. Tehran remains under heightened security amid ongoing missile strikes since February 28, though authorities did not directly link the funeral delay to the attacks. The capital faces sustained security challenges as the situation remains tense.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/04/iran-postpones-ali-khameneis-funeral-hours-before-schedule/