Iran Declares Public Holiday for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral, Announces National Day of Mourning

The Iranian government has announced a nationwide public holiday on July 6 to mark the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities have also declared July 8 as a National Day of Mourning, with ceremonies and tributes planned across the country.

The public holiday will be in effect so that citizens can attend the funeral proceedings and pay their respects, an Iranian government spokesman said. A national day of mourning will be observed on July 8 across the country in commemoration of the late leader.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader, was reportedly martyred on February 28 during a joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to Iranian sources. His death was an important event in the country’s political and religious history, and it was announced that state funeral services would be held in his honor.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Iran in the first week of July. According to the sources, the Pakistani PM will attend the funeral prayers of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his official visit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also visit Türkiye after his meeting with Iran to conduct further diplomatic talks.

The public holiday and National Day of Mourning coincide as Iran gears up for one of the state’s most important ceremonies, attended by high-level foreign dignitaries.