Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Iran from July 3 to 5 to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei before heading to Türkiye for an official visit. This announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, following recent talks aimed at reducing regional tensions. Sharif will first attend the state funeral in Iran, marking his engagement in significant international diplomatic events.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that representatives from approximately 100 countries will participate in the funeral ceremonies. Notable attendees will include heads of state, parliamentary leaders, foreign ministers, and special envoys. Among the leaders expected are Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Russia will be represented by former President Dmitry Medvedev, now serving as deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council. China and India will also send high-level delegations, including He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, along with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, respectively.
The public funeral will commence in Tehran, with Khamenei’s body lying in state at a major religious and ceremonial complex. A procession will then take place across the country, concluding with the burial on July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown in northeastern Iran. The ceremonies are anticipated to attract senior political and diplomatic figures from the region and beyond, underscoring the late leader’s significant influence.
Ali Khamenei, who became Iran’s second supreme leader in 1989, was instrumental in expanding the country’s nuclear program and bolstering regional alliances through a network of allied groups. He was killed on February 28 during the initial phase of a U.S.-Israeli military campaign aimed at Iran’s leadership, missile capabilities, and nuclear infrastructure. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei has taken over as the new supreme leader.
The funeral ceremonies unfold against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran, which have been facilitated by a ceasefire after weeks of conflict. These talks are based on a memorandum of understanding reached last month. However, Israel remains outside these negotiations and has expressed concerns that the current framework does not sufficiently address issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, keeping this matter at the forefront of regional and international focus.