Iran Begins Six-Day Funeral for Khamenei
Khamenei's funeral is a major geopolitical inflection point in the ongoing US-Iran war. Millions flooding Tehran streets demanding revenge, combined with unresolved Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing and toll disputes, directly affects US energy markets, military posture, and diplomatic negotiations.
The Morning Brief · July 4, 2026 · Based on reporting by NPR News
Iran began a six-day state funeral Saturday for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Millions of mourners packed the streets of Tehran, with many demanding revenge. An airstrike killed Khamenei, 86, months ago at the start of the war with the United States. Ceremonies will span multiple cities before his burial in Mashhad.
The Strait of Hormuz remains mined. Italy's defense ministry said clearing an estimated 80 Iranian sea mines will take months once operations begin. Removal operations have not yet started. Negotiations over possible Strait transit fees also remain unresolved. Oman has taken an ambiguous stance in those talks, which raise legal, diplomatic and oil market concerns.
Sources
NPR News — Iran begins dayslong funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran began a dayslong funeral Saturday for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after an airstrike killed him at the start of the war. He was 86.
Al Jazeera — Millions mourn Iran's Ali Khamenei amid historic funeral procession
Mourners pack Tehran streets for Khamenei's funeral, with ceremonies spanning cities and ending in Mashhad burial.
CNBC Top News — Oman walks a diplomatic tightrope over Strait of Hormuz fees, creating a 'blind spot' for markets
Oman is using strategic ambiguity as talks over possible Strait of Hormuz fees raise legal, diplomatic and oil market concerns.
Stars and Stripes — Efforts to clear estimated 80 Iranian sea mines from Strait of Hormuz to take months, officials say
There are dozens of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz that will require months to remove once operations begin, the Italian defense ministry said.
