Funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Offers Rare Reporting Opportunity

The Washington Post seized a rare opportunity to report from Iran, under strict conditions, due to an invitation extended by the Iranian government to attend the funeral procession of Ali Khamenei. This marks the first instance the media outlet has been able to cover events in Iran since the outbreak of the war.

On July 7, 2026, at 1:19 p.m. EDT, the well-organized funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader took place, drawing vast numbers of mourners onto the streets of Tehran. The leader was assassinated during the initial phase of U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran earlier in February.

Numerous prominent Iranian figures made public appearances at the event. However, the absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and successor of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was noticeable.