Iran Prepares for Supreme Leader's Funeral Amid Basij Mobilization and Security Concerns
Four months after his death, the delayed burial of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is set to proceed with massive security and a state-orchestrated display of national unity.
World·
Tehran is making extensive preparations for the July 9 burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which will take place over four months after his passing. Ahead of what is expected to be an event of significant national attendance, Iranian authorities are activating the Basij militia and deploying a vast security apparatus.
The considerable delay in holding the funeral has prompted questions regarding the preservation methods for Khamenei's remains. According to analysts, Islamic tradition typically mandates a prompt burial and generally advises against chemical embalming.
Shia law allows delayed burial and preservation by cold in exceptional cases, and a clerical exemption for a Supreme Leader is easy to get.
An expert from the George Washington Program on Extremism noted that Iranian forensic morgues routinely hold bodies for extended periods, making four months of freezing a non-unusual practice. This falls within
Related Stories
Guinea Landfill Collapse Kills Dozens, Triggers Search for Survivors Amid Prior Warnings
At least 30 people died when a massive landfill collapsed onto homes in Conakry, Guinea, on Sunday. The disaster, exacerbated by heavy rains, trapped many and destroyed several residences, prompting an urgent search for
Aug 23
Deepening Oil Crisis: Production Disruptions in Persian Gulf May Outlast Hormuz Tensions
As attention focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, experts caution that the deeper oil crisis involves restoring millions of barrels of Persian Gulf production. This "upstream problem" of restarting wells could persist long
Aug 23
Woman Convicted of Fraud After Posing as Child and Living with Brazilian Foster Family
Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 37, was convicted in Brazil for fraud and false identity. She lived with a foster family for 14 months, pretending to be a child, claiming she fled abuse. Her lawyer stated she used this
Aug 23
Liberia Receives First U.S. Deportation Flight Under New Agreement, Welcoming Latin American Nationals
Liberia has welcomed its first group of deportees from the U.S., including individuals from Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia. This marks the start of an agreement to host up to 1,200 foreign nationals, many seeking
Aug 21