Global Leaders to Gather for Ayatollah Khamenei’s State Funeral

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will attend the funeral of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.

According to Iran’s state‑owned Press TV, a high‑level Pakistani delegation will accompany Sharif to the state funeral.

The state funeral is scheduled for 4 July in Tehran and will last approximately five days, concluding with burial in Khamenei’s hometown, the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, on 9 July, Iranian state media reported.

Senior Chinese lawmaker He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will also attend the funeral, China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev will attend as President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Press TV reported.

India will be represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, who will travel to Iran on 3 July, the Indian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

“The high-level representation in the ceremony underscores the importance of civilizational ties, including people‑to‑people connection, between the two countries, providing a robust foundation for political and economic engagements,” the statement said.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Iranians to “rise up” and “demand revenge” during a speech on Thursday at the funeral.

“I call on all members of the Iranian people to create a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran with their impressive presence, and to prove once again that the Iranian nation in its great moments stands united and loyal to its alliance,” Ghalibaf said.

“The noble and deep‑rooted Iranian people are not silent in the face of injustice and arrogance, and will not give up on the blood of their leader,” he added.

Officials from more than 30 countries, including Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, are expected to attend, Press TV noted. The network quoted Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian confirming their attendance, as well as that of religious leaders from over 90 countries.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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