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Khamenei body kept in cold storage as Iran plans funeral
The Times of India··2 Jul
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's body has been in refrigerated cold storage since February 2026 ahead of burial on July 9 after five days of ceremonies across Iran and Iraq. Three days lying in state at Tehran's Mosalla complex will precede processions through Najaf, Karbala, Qom and burial at Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Authorities cite crowd control lessons from past funeral disasters.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Iran's leadership transition ceremonies may affect regional diplomatic stability.
- Large funeral gatherings pose security and crowd safety risks across multiple cities.
- Cross-border processions to Iraq require coordination that can impact travel routes.
What's Happening
- Khamenei's burial is scheduled for July 9 after five days of rites.
- His body has been in cold storage since February 2026.
- Processions will cross Tehran, Iraqi holy cities, Qom and Mashhad.
Ceremonial Context
- Past funerals of Khomeini and Soleimani ended in deadly crushes.
- Iran has not announced who will lead the funeral prayer.
- Helicopters and heavy security are planned for crowd management.
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