The Iranian government is gearing up for the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 9, more than four months after his death. This has prompted authorities to mobilize Basij militias and implement a significant security operation, anticipating what they call a “historic” mobilization.
Typically, Islamic tradition dictates quick burials without the use of chemical embalming. This delayed burial has led some to speculate about how Khamenei’s body has been preserved. A counter-terrorism expert noted that while Islam prohibits chemical embalming, it likely involved refrigeration instead.
“Shia law does allow for delayed burials and refrigeration in special circumstances, and it’s generally easier to get exemptions for supreme leaders,” the expert stated. He further explained, “In Iran, forensic morgues often store bodies for several months. So, storing Khamenei’s body for four months isn’t unusual—it falls within religious and legal guidelines.”
Khamenei was killed on February 28 during a targeted U.S. strike at his compound in Tehran, having led the Islamic Republic for 36 years. There are, however, concerns regarding the number of bodies that will be presented during the burial, as Khamenei and others killed during the attack were identified weeks later through DNA testing.
“A regime that has a preserved body doesn’t typically cancel farewell events or frequently change burial sites,” he added. The upcoming funeral is being framed as both a farewell and a demonstration of strength, underscored by the slogan “We must take revenge.”
According to Iranian state media, Yaqub Soleimani, a key organizer of the funeral, stated that it would be conducted “with great grandeur,” expecting one million participants and labeling it a “national epic” for the Islamic Republic.
Public viewings in Tehran are scheduled for the weekend preceding the funeral procession on July 6, with estimates suggesting attendance could reach between 15 to 20 million people. Another march will occur in Qom, one of Shiite Islam’s holiest sites. Observers have raised doubts about the accuracy of these figures, suggesting they may be exaggerated for messaging purposes, reflecting Iran’s efforts to project stability amid uncertainties.
Soleimani’s commentary on anticipated participation seems to serve more as a signal of regime strength. “The regime doesn’t merely count numbers for logistics; they aim to convey continuity and resilience, especially given the challenges post-war,” an expert observed.
Security arrangements for the funeral will involve Basij and Revolutionary Guards coordinating logistics, including transforming highways into parking areas. The government declared five public holidays and has deployed security forces to manage crowds. “This isn’t just a funeral; it’s effectively a mobilization,” the expert pointed out, reminding readers that these are the same organizations that suppressed earlier protests.
While senior officials from Iraq will be present, representation from other significant countries appears limited. Iran’s President has invited India’s Prime Minister, but India plans to send lower-level officials instead. It was also confirmed that the President of Georgia will attend.
The lack of attendance from major country leaders highlights Iran’s isolation, even as they proclaim leadership over a broader regional front. “For Washington, this provides useful insights. The war has indeed made the Iranian axis smaller than the regime portrays,” the expert concluded.
