Congress leader Salman Khurshid NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Thursday announced that he will represent the party at the state funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said, “I am representing the party and will attend the state funeral ceremony of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”His remarks came a day after Tehran sent invitations to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Khurshid, and Rajya Sabha MP-elect Pawan Khera.Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in Tehran in late February. He was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose whereabouts remain unknown.Tehran had also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Khamenei’s funeral. However, New Delhi chose Bihar governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) and Union minister Pabitra Margherita to represent India.On June 3, Iranian authorities announced plans to conduct a three-day public funeral for Khamenei. According to state media, the multi-day funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4. The rituals will include events in Qom, a holy city south of capital Tehran, on July 7, and will conclude with his final burial on July 9 in his hometown, the holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.While Islamic jurisprudence typically dictates that a deceased person be buried as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, exceptions are permissible, particularly during a state of war. Since February 28, Iran has been at a war with the United States and Israel.Speculation regarding the timeline of the final ceremonies had been mounting since February, with early reports suggesting a late June date before state media officially confirmed the July schedule.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBengaluru Daycare Abuse Case Explained: What The Viral Videos And Police Probe RevealNitish Kumar For Deputy PM? JD(U) And RJD Unite As Cabinet Expansion Buzz GrowsGovt Puts WhatsApp Username Feature On Hold Over Fraud, Impersonation Concerns: ReportsWho Are the Men Around CM Vijay? Inside the Controversy Over His Inner Circle & Transparency DebateVijay Govt Challenges Madras HC’s Cow Slaughter Ban Verdict In SCCong Retains Raja Warring As Punjab Chief, Appoints Channi To Head Campaign CommitteeRussia Turns To India For Gasoline Amid Fuel Shortages Triggered By Ukraine Attacks’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly Numbers123PhotostoriesICMR considers these 5 methods of cooking better and safer than frying; here’s what science saysMeaningful return gifts for children’s birthdays: 7 ideas with emotional and educational valueMonsoon is here: 5 safety tips to prevent snakes from entering your homeSharvari’s Antonio Marras moment proves power dressing doesn’t need permissionAlways overthinking? 4 habits to train your brain to reduce negative thinkingHeart-related leg pain vs muscle cramps: The American Heart Association explains how to spot the differenceOptical illusion: This is not just a woman talking on the phone; only 2% of people can spot all ‘four women’ hidden in this sketchStrength training after 50: 4 simple at-home workouts can build real strength without any fancy gym equipmentSuccess quote of the day by Yash: ‘Don’t let failure or success affect you’Psychology says children stop sharing problems after parents repeatedly do these 7 things123Hot PicksTrump tariffsPF withdrawalEPF Scheme 2026Delhi hit-and-runIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainDelhi rainMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovManish TewariLando Norris
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Thursday announced that he will represent the party at the state funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said, “I am representing the party and will attend the state funeral ceremony of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”His remarks came a day after Tehran sent invitations to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Khurshid, and Rajya Sabha MP-elect Pawan Khera.Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in Tehran in late February. He was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose whereabouts remain unknown.Tehran had also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Khamenei’s funeral. However, New Delhi chose Bihar governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) and Union minister Pabitra Margherita to represent India.On June 3, Iranian authorities announced plans to conduct a three-day public funeral for Khamenei. According to state media, the multi-day funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4. The rituals will include events in Qom, a holy city south of capital Tehran, on July 7, and will conclude with his final burial on July 9 in his hometown, the holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.While Islamic jurisprudence typically dictates that a deceased person be buried as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, exceptions are permissible, particularly during a state of war. Since February 28, Iran has been at a war with the United States and Israel.Speculation regarding the timeline of the final ceremonies had been mounting since February, with early reports suggesting a late June date before state media officially confirmed the July schedule.
