Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, will begin in Tehran on July 4 and conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9, according to Iranian state media reports published on Saturday.

Death During Military Strikes

Khamenei was killed on February 28 during the opening phase of Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iran, state media reported. The 86-year-old cleric had served as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the country’s modern history.

Multi-Day Funeral Arrangements

The funeral program is expected to span several days and include memorial ceremonies in the holy city of Qom on July 7, according to state media. The events will culminate in Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad, a major religious center in northeastern Iran.

Legacy of Regional Influence

During his tenure, Khamenei oversaw the expansion of Iran’s regional influence and positioned the country as a leading opponent of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Under his leadership, Tehran strengthened ties with allied armed groups and political movements across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Domestic and Foreign Policy Record

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei exercised significant influence over Iran’s political, security, and foreign policy decision-making. His tenure coincided with several periods of domestic unrest and public protests, which prompted security and administrative responses from the authorities. Internationally, he was a longstanding critic of U.S. policy and remained steadfast in his positions on major strategic issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities.

Succession Following the Attack

According to the report, the airstrike that killed Khamenei also destroyed his compound in central Tehran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was reportedly injured in the attack, while his wife was killed. Following the death of the longtime leader, Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as Supreme Leader.

Prospects for a Peace Agreement

Separately, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said on Saturday that Iran and the United States had agreed on a framework for a peace agreement after more than three months of conflict. Sharif said the parties are expected to sign an initial accord within the next 24 hours.

A Pivotal Moment for Iran

The planned funeral ceremonies and the reported progress toward a peace agreement come at a significant moment for Iran, as the country navigates both a leadership transition and the aftermath of a prolonged military confrontation. The developments mark a potentially transformative period for the Islamic Republic and the broader Middle East.