Tehran, July 4 -- Sayyed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran's Supreme Leader for nearly 37 years, was one of the country's most influential leaders. As the Islamic Republic's highest political and religious authority, he oversaw key decisions on defence, foreign policy, the armed forces and the nuclear programme during decades marked by regional conflicts, international sanctions and domestic unrest.

The 86-year-old cleric was killed in the US-Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28, 2026. Iran began six days of funeral ceremonies on Saturday, July 4, with events in Tehran continuing through Sunday, July 5. The ceremonies will then move to Qom on Tuesday, July 7, followed by memorial gatherings in Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala on We...