Tehran: Iranian authorities are reportedly refraining from arranging a large-scale state funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing serious security concerns amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The hesitation underscores fears over potential instability and the risks linked to large public gatherings in the current volatile environment.

Tehran has not yet finalised a burial location for Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on 28 February. The strike triggered a wider conflict that has since spread across parts of the Middle East. Follow US-Iran war news live updates.

Uncertainty over funeral plans

In 1989, Iran held an extended and highly attended funeral for Khamenei’s predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, drawing millions of mourners to the streets of Tehran. However, no comparable public display has taken place following Khamenei’s death during the current war.

Behnam Taleblu of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies told The New York Post that the present circumstances leave Iran unable to conduct an elaborate memorial. He noted that the country remains in a fragile ceasefire, which is expected to end on Wednesday.

“Simply put, the regime is too afraid and too weak to roll the dice,” he said.

Security concerns and recent assassinations

The situation has been further complicated by the killing of several high-ranking Iranian officials in recent weeks. Among them is the country’s security chief, Ali Larijani, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes during the conflict.

Taleblu also drew comparisons with the 1989 funeral of Ruhollah Khomenei, suggesting that the absence of a major public ceremony more than a month after Khamenei’s death highlights the government’s current vulnerability.

“The Islamic Republic likes to talk a big game about owning the streets, but a 50-day internet blackout tells you all you need to know. The regime fears the consequences of the truth getting out,” he was quoted as saying.

Reports on burial location

Earlier in March, IRGC-affiliated Fars News indicated that Khamenei’s body would be laid to rest in Mashhad, a major city in north-eastern Iran and his birthplace.

“Officials at the headquarters organising the grand farewell ceremony for him are planning to hold a public memorial in the capital,” the report stated.

Mashhad, which has a population of nearly five million, holds particular significance as Khamenei’s hometown.

Delayed farewell ceremony

Shortly after the assassination, Iran announced a three-day period of mourning for the Supreme Leader. Local media reported that the ceremony would take place at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini prayer ground.

State outlets, citing Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, said the farewell would span three days and that details of a funeral procession would follow. However, no such public memorial has been held so far.

Ceasefire and political tensions continue

Iran and the United States are currently observing a two-week ceasefire, which is due to conclude on Wednesday. After unsuccessful negotiations held in Islamabad, Pakistan, no timeline has been announced for further talks between Tehran and Washington.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump suggested that hostilities could resume if an agreement is not reached by the deadline.

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated the country’s stance on its nuclear programme. Criticising Trump, he stated that there is no justification for denying Tehran its nuclear rights.

With agency inputs