Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has officially pledged to retaliate for the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that the response will occur “at the appropriate time.” According to a report by Press TV on July 2, 2026, the council maintains that the pursuit of justice for the late leader remains a core tenet of the nation’s security doctrine.
Why Is Iran Planning a Retaliatory Response?
The pledge of retaliation stems from the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in a joint operation by the United States and Israel in late February 2026. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that the “file of retaliation” for the late leader’s death remains open. Zolqadr, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that those who ordered and executed the strike will face punishment at a time deemed suitable by Iranian authorities.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr was appointed to his current security post on March 24, 2026, following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, who was also killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike.
What Is the Scale of the Upcoming Funeral?
Iran is preparing for a state funeral in Tehran that officials anticipate will draw a massive number of mourners. The ceremony is scheduled to commence on July 4, 2026, at the Grand Mosalla, a massive complex in central Tehran typically reserved for major religious gatherings and Friday prayers. Large portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei have already been installed at the site, which will also serve as the final resting place for family members who perished in the same attack.
How Does the Current Ceasefire Affect the Procession?
The state funeral had been delayed for several months due to the intensity of the conflict in the Middle East. The event is now proceeding during a period of relative calm, as Iran and the United States are currently observing a ceasefire following the signing of a preliminary agreement to end hostilities. Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death on February 28, 2026, was a central spiritual figure for many Shia Muslims worldwide.
Comparison: Historical Context of Iranian Funerals
While official estimates for the upcoming funeral reach a significant scale, security analysts often contrast these figures with previous state events. The funeral is being organized to serve as the largest state ceremony in the history of the Islamic Republic, symbolizing national unity despite the leadership transition prompted by the war.
Follow Press TV for real-time updates regarding the funeral procession logistics and potential changes to the security environment in Tehran.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei take place?
The public funeral ceremony is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Where will the funeral be held?
The ceremony will be held at the Grand Mosalla (Imam Khomeini Mosalla) in Tehran.
Why was the funeral delayed?
The event was postponed due to the escalation of the war in the Middle East following the death of the Ayatollah in late February 2026.
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