Iran buries Khamenei as US attacks resume, war fears mount

Ali Khamenei was buried on July 10, 2026, in Mashhad's Imam Reza shrine, concluding six days of massive funerals that drew millions. The ceremony coincided with a breakdown of the April ceasefire and renewed US-Iran hostilities, including US strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliation against US allies in the Gulf.

Funeral and Succession Mystery

State media reported 41–43 million participants across Iran and Iraq Source: infobae. Khamenei's successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from all public events, fueling speculation about his condition after being wounded in the February 28 attack that killed his father Source: CNN. A masked figure at the funeral sparked rumors it was Mojtaba in disguise Source: CNN. The burial included family members killed in the same strike.

Renewed Hostilities

President Trump declared the ceasefire "terminated" after Iran allegedly attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz Source: elnacionalve. US forces struck 90 military targets, while Iran claimed 17 dead and accused Washington of hitting civilian infrastructure Source: infobae. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar Source: euronewses. The US denied striking near Bushehr nuclear plant Source: infobae.

Regional Impact and Vengeance Calls

Mourners in Mashhad expressed a thirst for revenge, with banners offering bounties for Trump and slogans like "there will be blood" Source: clarin. The war has deepened internal divisions: some Iranians see the strike as an opportunity, while others fear repression Source: elconfidencial. Hezbollah organized a mass vigil in Beirut, underscoring Khamenei's influence beyond Iran Source: diariolibree.