Iran has postponed the state funeral of Ali Khamenei, just hours before it was scheduled to take place in Tehran.

State television announced that the farewell ceremony for the 86-year-old former Supreme Leader had been delayed, with a new date to be announced later. Officials cited the expectation of an “unprecedented turnout,” saying millions were likely to attend and that more time was needed to prepare the necessary infrastructure.

Khamenei was reportedly killed over the weekend during joint strikes by the United States and **Israel, targeting military and government sites in Tehran. The strikes mark a major escalation in regional tensions.

Originally, a tribute ceremony was planned in Tehran before transferring his body to **Mashhad**, his birthplace, for burial. However, the funeral was postponed amid security concerns and the anticipated massive crowds.

Tehran remains under heightened tension, with ongoing missile strikes reported against strategic sites since February 28, 2026. While officials did not directly link the postponement to security threats, the broader instability in the capital forms the backdrop to the decision.