Overview
- State funerals for Ali Khamenei began on Saturday with the leader's coffin displayed in Tehran and large, heavily policed processions planned across Iran and the Iraqi holy cities.
- Iran used the opening ceremonies to project control while senior figures including Revolutionary Guard chief Ahmad Vahidi made rare public appearances to pay tribute.
- Qatar and Pakistan‑mediated indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Doha reported 'positive progress' and are paused for the funerary period with negotiators planning to resume discussions in mid‑July.
- Iranian officials have said there is a reported understanding to free about $6 billion held in Qatar for essential purchases and that Tehran and Oman agreed on a Hormuz navigation mechanism, both details described by Iranian sources and still subject to verification.
- The funerals carry security risks because Iran's military commands have warned of decisive responses to interference in the Strait of Hormuz and the events follow Khamenei's death on February 28, which reshaped Iran's succession and pushed diplomacy onto a fragile timetable.