TEHRAN: The Iranian government has officially declared a nationwide public holiday for July 6 to mark the funeral proceedings of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was martyred in a recent US-Israeli attack. According to a statement from the government spokesperson, a day of mourning will also be observed across the country on July 8, coinciding with the culmination of the funeral rites.
Official sources confirm that Ayatollah Khamenei was martyred during the initial US-Israeli military strike on Iranian territory that occurred on February 28. The announcement has triggered a massive outpouring of grief across the nation, with security protocols being heightened in Tehran to accommodate the arrival of international dignitaries for the funeral prayer and burial.
International Delegations and Diplomatic Moves
In response to the tragic development, regional and international leaders have signaled their intent to attend the high-profile funeral. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit Iran in the first week of July to participate in the funeral prayer of the late Supreme Leader. Sources indicate that following the completion of his engagements in Iran, Prime Minister Sharif will proceed on an official visit to Turkey.
On the domestic political front, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is also likely to attend the funeral ceremonies in Tehran. Additionally, in a diplomatic gesture, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has penned a formal letter to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, extending an official invitation to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei. This move underscores the strong bilateral ties between Iran and Pakistan, particularly in times of national bereavement.
