World Leaders Gather in Tehran as Khamenei Funeral Draws International Delegations

 

TEHRAN, Iran — One of the largest diplomatic gatherings in the Middle East this year is underway as Iran hosts funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials say representatives from around 100 countries have been invited, with heads of state, senior ministers, religious figures and political leaders expected to take part.

The funeral is being closely watched around the world, not only as a national and religious event for Iran, but also as a major diplomatic moment. Millions of Iranians are expected to participate in public mourning ceremonies while foreign delegations arrive under tight security.

Countries Sending High-Level Representatives

Pakistan

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend in person, making him one of the highest-ranking foreign leaders at the funeral.

Russia

• Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former Russian president, is expected to lead Russia's delegation as President Vladimir Putin's special envoy. The Russian delegation is also expected to include Foreign Ministry officials, Orthodox Church representatives, and Muslim religious scholars.

China

• He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, has been confirmed as China's official representative.

India
India is sending a delegation that includes:

• Salman Khurshid, former External Affairs Minister.

• Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Indian reports also say representatives from India's ruling BJP, opposition Congress Party and regional parties were invited.

Iraq

• Iraq is expected to have one of the most visible regional delegations. Reports say Iraq's president and senior political figures are among those attending, along with representatives connected to the Popular Mobilization Forces, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi.

Lebanon

• Lebanon's delegation is expected to include senior representatives from Hezbollah, including Secretary-General Naim Qassem, along with allied political figures. Hezbollah has long maintained close political, military and religious ties with Iran.

Syria

• Syria is expected to send a high-ranking government delegation. Iran and Syria have maintained a long strategic relationship, and Syrian officials are expected to use the funeral to reaffirm those ties.

Armenia

• Armenia is among the countries reported to have sent high-level representation, reflecting its continued diplomatic relationship with Tehran.

Tajikistan

• Tajikistan's president has been reported among the foreign leaders attending, making the Central Asian republic one of the more prominent delegations at the ceremony.

Georgia

• Georgia's president was also reported among the foreign officials seen at the ceremony.

Turkey

• Turkey is expected to be represented by high-ranking officials, reflecting its complicated but important regional relationship with Iran.

Turkmenistan

• Turkmenistan is among the countries reported to have official representation at the funeral.

Belarus

• Belarus is expected to send senior government officials as part of its close political relationship with Tehran, though the specific names of its delegation have not been publicly confirmed.

Venezuela

• Venezuela is expected to be represented by senior government officials, continuing the close relationship between Caracas and Tehran that has developed over the past two decades.

Central Asian Delegations

Several Central Asian nations are expected to send official delegations, including:

• Kazakhstan

• Uzbekistan

• Tajikistan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Turkmenistan

Some governments have confirmed participation or representation, while others have not yet publicly released the names of the officials leading their delegations.

Additional Regional Delegations

Iranian officials have also announced that representatives from numerous countries across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East are expected to attend. Political parties, religious organizations and allied movements from across the region are also sending delegations, including representatives from Hezbollah and Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi.

Symbolism Beyond the Funeral

Political analysts say the presence of high-level officials from Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Central Asia underscores Iran's effort to present the funeral as more than a domestic ceremony. It is also a display of the country's diplomatic reach and its continued influence among allies and partners across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

With additional foreign delegations continuing to arrive, the final list of attendees is expected to grow throughout the multi-day ceremonies, making the funeral one of the largest international gatherings Iran has hosted in decades.

BREAKING: Israel Launches Major Military Strikes on Iran — Explosions Rock Tehran 📰🚨

February 28, 2026 — In the early hours of Saturday morning, Israel launched a major military offensive against multiple targets inside Iran, triggering powerful explosions in and around the Iranian capital of Tehran. Thick plumes of smoke rose above dense urban areas as residents documented the strikes from streets, vehicles, and nearby neighborhoods.

Israeli officials confirmed the operation, describing it as a pre-emptive strike aimed at neutralizing what they characterized as imminent threats posed by Iran. The attacks appear to mark one of the most direct and expansive Israeli military actions on Iranian soil in recent years.

Explosions Across the Capital

Residents in Tehran reported hearing repeated explosions across several districts. Video and photographs circulating online show large smoke columns rising above residential and commercial areas, with traffic halted as civilians stopped to observe the unfolding strikes. Iranian state media acknowledged the explosions but provided limited immediate details on the exact locations or extent of the damage.

Israel Confirms Military Action

Israel’s defense leadership publicly confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out the strikes, stating the operation was launched to counter growing Iranian military capabilities, including missile infrastructure and other strategic assets. Israeli authorities placed the country on high alert, activating air defense systems and civil protection measures in anticipation of possible retaliation.

Rising Regional Tensions

The strikes come amid months of escalating tension between Israel and Iran, fueled by concerns over Iran’s military programs and its influence across the Middle East. Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned that they would not allow Iran to achieve capabilities they view as an existential threat.

Iranian officials have not yet issued a full formal response, though regional analysts warn the attacks could prompt swift retaliation, either directly or through allied militias operating throughout the region.

International Concern

Global leaders and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation, with growing concern that the strikes could ignite a broader regional conflict. Diplomatic channels remain active as governments urge restraint while preparing for potential fallout, including disruptions to energy markets and regional security.

What Remains Unclear

• The number of casualties and extent of damage inside Iran have not yet been confirmed

• The specific targets struck by Israeli forces remain undisclosed

• Iran’s military response has yet to be announced

Iran Shows Pro Government Support in Tehran as Officials Cite Sanctions Impact

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran and other cities this week in rallies backing the Islamic Republic and condemning foreign pressure, as authorities sought to reassure international audiences that economic challenges are being addressed amid ongoing sanctions.

State media broadcast images of large crowds waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans in support of the government and against the United States and Israel. Officials said the demonstrations reflected public opposition to what they described as economic warfare imposed through sanctions that have restricted Iran’s access to global markets.

Government representatives said recent currency fluctuations and rising prices were primarily driven by external pressure rather than domestic policy failures. They pointed to long standing U.S. sanctions as a major factor disrupting trade, investment, and financial transactions, despite repeated calls from Tehran for their removal.

Authorities acknowledged economic concerns raised by merchants and workers, including in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, a key commercial hub. Officials said measures were being implemented to stabilize the rial, curb inflation, and support businesses affected by market volatility.

Security forces maintained a visible presence in central areas of Tehran, with officials stating their role was to ensure public order and protect public property. The government said most gatherings nationwide were peaceful and lawful.

Analysts close to the administration said the rallies demonstrated continued public backing for Iran’s political system, distinguishing economic frustration linked to sanctions from opposition to the government itself. They added that pro government demonstrations outweighed isolated incidents of unrest reported by foreign based media.

Iranian leaders called for national unity and patience, stressing that economic recovery depends on stability and resistance to external pressure. Officials reiterated that Iran remains committed to independent economic policies while expanding regional trade and domestic production to reduce reliance on sanctioned channels.

Tehran has repeatedly said it is open to diplomacy but insists that meaningful economic relief depends on the lifting of sanctions, which it argues have harmed ordinary citizens while failing to change Iran’s political direction.