Iran delays funeral of supreme leader over crowd concerns

Iran postponed the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike last weekend, citing expectations of large crowds. The three-day ceremony had been scheduled to start at 10pm local time at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, a mosque in Tehran, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Wednesday. State television later said the proceedings were being delayed “due to the expected unprecedented presence of mourners”, and a new time would be... AdvertisementUS, Israel war on IranWorldMiddle EastIran delays funeral of supreme leader over crowd concernsThe funeral is likely to turn into a rally for Islamic Republic supporters who oppose the US and Israeli attacks1-MIN READ1-MINBloombergPublished: 11:00pm, 4 Mar 2026Iran postponed the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike last weekend, citing expectations of large crowds.The three-day ceremony had been scheduled to start at 10pm local time at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, a mosque in Tehran, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Wednesday.State television later said the proceedings were being delayed “due to the expected unprecedented presence of mourners”, and a new time would be announced soon.AdvertisementThe funeral is likely to turn into a rally for Islamic Republic supporters who oppose the US and Israeli attacks that have since spiralled into a regional war. Russia and China have also condemned Khamenei’s killing. 01:36Thousands attend funeral for victims of Iranian school bombing, the deadliest incident in Iran warThousands attend funeral for victims of Iranian school bombing, the deadliest incident in Iran warOpponents of the regime, by contrast, met Khamenei’s death with celebrations.AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x