Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is set to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking the beginning of a diplomatic journey that will also take him to Türkiye. The visit, scheduled from July 3 to July 5, underscores ongoing international diplomatic efforts as the United States and Iran engage in negotiations aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. Sharif’s participation in the state funeral reflects the significant international interest in the event, which is expected to draw representatives from around 100 countries.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the funeral will be attended by a range of high-profile figures, including heads of state, parliamentary leaders, and foreign ministers. Notable attendees are expected to include Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Russia will send Dmitry Medvedev, former president and current deputy chairman of the Security Council. China will be represented by He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, while India’s delegation will include Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
The public funeral will commence in Tehran, where Khamenei’s body will lie in state at a major religious and ceremonial site. The processional ceremonies are set to conclude on July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace in northeastern Iran, where he will be interred. The series of events is anticipated to attract senior political and diplomatic figures from across the globe, underscoring the international significance of Khamenei’s leadership and legacy.
Ali Khamenei, who became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, played a pivotal role in expanding the country’s nuclear program and bolstering alliances through a network of regional groups. His death occurred on February 28 during the early stages of a joint U.S.-Israeli military offensive aimed at Iran’s leadership and critical infrastructure. In the wake of his passing, Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of supreme leader.
The funeral proceedings coincide with ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran, following a recently established ceasefire after weeks of conflict. These talks are based on a memorandum of understanding agreed upon last month, although Israel has opted not to participate, expressing concerns that the framework does not sufficiently address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As such, the issue remains a focal point of regional and international scrutiny.