Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is set to visit Iran to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, before proceeding to Türkiye for an official engagement. The trip, scheduled from July 3 to July 5, will see Sharif attending the state funeral in Iran, as per Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. This visit coincides with ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the United States and Iran following recent efforts to alleviate regional tensions.
Iranian authorities have announced that dignitaries from approximately 100 nations will be present at the funeral ceremonies. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has detailed that the attendees will comprise heads of state, parliamentary figures, foreign ministers, and special envoys. Notable attendees include Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Russia will have former president Dmitry Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of the Security Council, representing them. Meanwhile, China is sending He Wei, a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and India will be represented by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
The public funeral proceedings will commence in Tehran, with Khamenei’s body lying in state at a significant religious and ceremonial venue before a national procession. According to Iranian state media, the ceremonies will culminate on July 9 in Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran, which is Khamenei’s hometown and his final resting place. These events are anticipated to attract numerous high-ranking political and diplomatic representatives from the region and beyond.
Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s second supreme leader since 1989, was instrumental in expanding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and solidifying its regional influence through alliances with various groups. His tenure ended tragically on February 28, when he was killed in the initial phase of a U.S.-Israeli military offensive aimed at Iran’s leadership and its missile and nuclear facilities. Following his death, his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed the position of supreme leader.
The funeral occurs amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran after a ceasefire was established following weeks of conflict. These discussions are based on a memorandum of understanding agreed upon last month. However, Israel has opted out of these negotiations and has expressed apprehension that the current agreement does not sufficiently address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, keeping the issue at the forefront of international and regional discourse.