Iranian media report that the plane bearing the late Supreme Leader's coffin has landed in the holy city of Mashhad, where he is expected to be interred later today. This is the final leg of a multi-city funeral procession that began in Tehran.
At 11:01 Jerusalem, the desk confirms that the plane carrying the body of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has landed in the holy city of Mashhad, with burial expected later today, according to Channel 12 citing Iranian sources. This marks the final stage of a multi-city funeral procession that began in Tehran and passed through Iraq.
The Zioneer has been tracking the funeral's progress throughout the day. At 00:36 Jerusalem, the desk reported that the plane had departed Najaf, Iraq, for Mashhad (version 5), and shortly thereafter that it had arrived (version 6). However, the burial was delayed by several hours due to strikes on bridges and access roads near Mashhad (version 4), as well as extended ceremonies in Iraq (version 3). By 08:35 Jerusalem, Iranian media confirmed the plane's arrival in Mashhad, but the burial was postponed. Signs in the city called for revenge and the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump (version 7). At 11:00 Jerusalem, Channel 12 reported that the burial is now set for today.
The funeral preparations were first reported by The Zioneer on Jun 13, when Iranian media set July 9 as the burial date. Tehran completed preparations for the massive state funeral by Jul 1, and the procession began in Tehran on Jul 3, drawing millions of mourners. The body was then flown to Iraq for ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala on Jul 7-8, as reported by The Zioneer on Jul 7 (22:36 Jerusalem) and Jul 8 (06:51 Jerusalem).
The exact details of the burial ceremony, including expected attendance and security measures, have not been released. Reports of strikes on bridges and alleged sabotage of the Tehran-Mashhad railway remain unverified. The cause of the earlier delays has not been officially confirmed.
9 developments
- DevelopingIRGC Quds Force chief Qaani meets with Iraqi militia leader during Khamenei funeral visit
- DevelopingEsmail Qaani documented at Khamenei's funeral, N12 reports
- StrongIRGC chief Vahidi, Iranian FM Araghchi reportedly arrive at Khamenei funeral on motorcycles
- StrongRare photo shows IRGC Quds Force chief Qaani pressed against wall beside Khamenei's empty chair at Ashura ceremony
Source and signal
- Internal intake