Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is set to travel to Iran to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei before proceeding to Türkiye for an official visit. The trip, scheduled from July 3 to July 5, will begin in Iran for the state funeral, as announced by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. This diplomatic engagement occurs amid ongoing efforts between the United States and Iran to ease regional tensions following recent negotiations.
Iranian officials have indicated that representatives from approximately 100 nations are anticipated to participate in the funeral ceremonies. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has confirmed the attendance of various dignitaries, including heads of state, parliamentary leaders, foreign ministers, and special envoys. Notably, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili are among the expected attendees. Russia will be represented by Dmitry Medvedev, the former president and current deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council. In addition, China is sending He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, while India’s delegation will include Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
The public funeral is set to commence in Tehran, where Khamenei’s body will lie in state at a prominent religious and ceremonial complex. The procession will then continue throughout the country, with the ceremonies culminating on July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown in northeastern Iran, where he will be laid to rest. The events are expected to attract high-ranking political and diplomatic figures from across the region and beyond.
Ali Khamenei served as Iran’s second supreme leader, assuming the role in 1989. Under his leadership, Iran expanded its nuclear program and fortified regional alliances through its network of allied groups. His death occurred on February 28 during a U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting Iran’s leadership, missile capabilities, and nuclear infrastructure. Following his passing, Mojtaba Khamenei ascended to the position of supreme leader.
The funeral takes place against a backdrop of ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, following a ceasefire that was implemented after weeks of conflict. The United States and Iran are currently engaged in discussions based on a memorandum of understanding reached the previous month. However, Israel, which is not part of the negotiations, has expressed concerns that the current framework does not sufficiently address Iran’s nuclear program, keeping the issue at the forefront of regional and international focus.