Iran Buries Khamenei Four Months After His Death, Cause Still Unknown

Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral took place July 7 in Mashhad, nearly four months after his March death. Iranian state media calls him the "martyred Leader"—language suggesting assassination rather than illness—yet Tehran has revealed nothing about what killed him or who was involved. The long delay hints at succession fights or security concerns. International attendance from 100 countries signals most governments are treating the funeral as legitimate despite the unanswered questions.