From security fears to grand preparations/ Why is Khamenei's funeral being postponed?

2026-03-08 16:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

From security fears to grand preparations/ Why is Khamenei's funeral being

Funeral plans for Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been revised for the umpteenth time, reflecting growing security fears, uncertainty over foreign participation and question marks over his successor in office.

The original funeral plan, announced shortly after Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1, called for a three-stage ceremony across Tehran, Qom and Mashhad before Khamenei's burial in his hometown.

State television reported two days later that Khamenei’s coffin would be placed in Tehran’s Mosalla for mourners to attend. By midday, the broadcast had postponed the ceremony until the evening. Hours later, another update said the ceremony would still take place at an unspecified time. State television later broadcast footage of workers preparing a podium where the coffin would be displayed behind bulletproof glass.

Security concerns appear to be central to the delays to the ceremony, which is already drawing worldwide attention as Iran is holding a state funeral amid an active regional war.

Foreign divisive figures, particularly figures linked to Hezbollah and the Houthis, have reportedly expressed concern about the turnout, citing the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran during the funeral of former President Ebrahim Raisi.

Some clerics argue that naming a successor while the former leader remains unburied would be inappropriate. Others claim that announcing a new leader during the funeral would better project unity and legitimacy, despite widespread anti-government protests earlier this year.

Officials also appear concerned about the turnout. State television acknowledged that authorities were trying to transport supporters from other cities by bus to produce what it described as "a funeral with millions in attendance."

Khamenei's supporters, including those who support his son as a potential successor, are demanding a large and symbolic show of loyalty when and if a new leader is announced.

Some officials and analysts say the effort to stage a carefully managed spectacle may help explain why the funeral has been repeatedly delayed over the past two days. /CNA