Iran postpones Khamenei’s state funeral amid anticipated massive turnout

Iran delays Khamenei funeral amid tensions

Iran has postponed the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which had been scheduled for Wednesday evening in Tehran, citing expectations of an exceptionally large public turnout, state television reported.

“The farewell ceremony for the martyred Imam has been postponed. A new date will be announced later,” Iranian state TV said on Wednesday, days after Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes over the weekend.

Khamenei, 86, who had led Iran since 1989 and shaped his rule around staunch opposition to the United States and Israel, was killed on Saturday in aerial strikes carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces, according to Iranian state media.

The postponement comes amid intensifying regional turmoil triggered by the US–Israeli attack that killed the Iranian leader. On Wednesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared they had full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, even as Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran.

The widening conflict has rippled far beyond Iran. Governments across the world are scrambling to evacuate citizens stranded by the fighting, now in its fifth day. Iran has expanded its missile and drone barrage targeting Israel and locations across the Gulf, while Hezbollah in Lebanon has also been drawn into the confrontation.

The Israeli military warned residents south of the Litani River in Lebanon to move north, saying it was “compelled to take military action” against Hezbollah positions in the area.

The unrest has unsettled cities such as Dubai and Riyadh, long viewed as insulated from regional upheaval. Turkish officials said a ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was intercepted by NATO air defence systems.

With energy prices climbing, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy stood ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had cautioned ships against entering the passage, while major shipping companies suspended transit after reports of vessels being attacked.

As the war widens and global markets react, Iran prepares to bid farewell to its most powerful leader in decades — on a date yet to be announced.

(With inputs from agencies)