The coffin of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken to the site in Tehran where he was killed in a US-Israel airstrike earlier this year, as Iran intensified preparations for his six-day state funeral. The visit to the assassination site was reportedly conducted without prior public announcement, according to Iranian state media.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were among the Indian political leaders who travelled to Tehran to pay their respects during the mourning ceremonies. Visuals released by the Iranian Embassy showed the two leaders offering tributes alongside senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations.

Iran has scheduled public farewell ceremonies from July 4 to July 9 across several cities, with Tehran hosting the opening events. The first day will allow members of the public to pay their final respects, while funeral prayers and a procession through the capital are planned before the coffin is taken to Mashhad for burial.

Iranian authorities estimate that between 12 million and 20 million people could participate in the funeral ceremonies, potentially making it one of the largest state funerals in the country's history. Representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend, with India, China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and several other nations sending official delegations.

Security has been tightened across Tehran ahead of the ceremonies. Police checkpoints, military deployments and traffic restrictions have been imposed in the capital, while public and private offices are scheduled to remain closed during key stages of the funeral. Iranian authorities have also announced partial airspace restrictions as part of the security arrangements.

Amid the mourning period, Qatar indicated that the next round of US-Iran talks could resume after the funeral concludes, signalling a possible revival of diplomatic engagement following months of heightened regional tensions.

Iran has also lodged a complaint with the United Nations, accusing Israel of threatening Supreme Leader-designate Mojtaba Khamenei. Separately, Tehran announced that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be granted access to the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, a move likely to increase international scrutiny over its nuclear programme.

The Strait of Hormuz also remained in focus, with Iran warning the United States against interference in the strategic waterway while directing commercial vessels to follow designated maritime routes. At the same time, shipping traffic through the strait has shown signs of recovery following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, although volumes remain below pre-conflict levels.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed in a US-Israel airstrike on February 28, according to Iranian authorities. His death marked a major turning point in the country's political leadership and has triggered one of the largest state mourning events in Iran's recent history.

Officials said the funeral ceremonies are intended to demonstrate national unity and resilience, while further diplomatic developments are expected after the conclusion of the mourning period.

An official Indian delegation paid its final respects to Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a state mourning ceremony at Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex ahead of his funeral. The visit underscored India's diplomatic engagement with Iran and its longstanding civilisational ties with the West Asian nation.

Thousands of mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla from early morning to pay their last respects to Khamenei. Religious leaders, senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries and international delegations attended the ceremony under heightened security arrangements following recent regional tensions.

Representing the Government of India were Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain. The delegation offered floral tributes, observed a moment of silence and conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership on behalf of India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India's participation reflects the deep historical, cultural and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. India and Iran have maintained cooperation across sectors including energy, trade, connectivity, maritime security and regional affairs despite changing geopolitical circumstances.

The funeral ceremonies are being conducted under extensive security, with Iranian authorities deploying additional personnel across Tehran. The multi-day state funeral is expected to conclude with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad after religious observances in different cities.

The passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks a significant moment in Iran's political and religious history. His funeral has drawn representatives from several countries, reflecting his influence on regional affairs and the importance many governments attach to maintaining diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

India has continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran while balancing its broader strategic interests in the region. Officials said participation in the state funeral is consistent with established diplomatic protocol and reflects India's respect for bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic.

The Indian delegation is expected to conclude its visit after attending the official mourning events. Further diplomatic engagements, if any, have not been announced.

Asha Bhosle Funeral Today With Full State Honours

Legendary Voice Falls Silent

India’s beloved playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was 92. The legendary vocalist, who sang over 12,000 songs in a career spanning eight decades, breathed her last due to multi-organ failure. Her funeral will be held today at 4 PM at Shivaji Park Crematorium with full state honours.

Family Confirms Final Rites

The singer was admitted to hospital on Saturday night following multiple age-related medical complications. Doctors could not revive her as several organs had stopped functioning. Her son, Anand Bhosle, has appealed to fans to avoid overcrowding at the crematorium. Final darshan is allowed from 10:30 AM to 2 PM at her Casa Grande residence in Lower Parel.

State Honours Accorded

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute at her home late Sunday evening. The state government swiftly announced ceremonial honours given her monumental contribution to Indian music. Asha Bhosle was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, along with nine Filmfare awards and over 100 other accolades.

Amitabh Mourns Era’s End

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan described her passing as the end of “an entire era” of Indian music. Writing on his blog, he called her a “phenomenal and prodigious presence” who left behind an “encyclopedia of eternal music.” Bollywood’s megastar added that while her body has departed, her voice remains immortal.

Tendulkar Breaks Down

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was visibly inconsolable while paying his last respects at her residence. The former batsman broke down in tears as he bid farewell to the singing legend. Actress Tabu was also seen emotional, embracing Asha’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle. Riteish Deshmukh, Shaan, and Nitin Mukesh with his father arrived to offer condolences.

PM Modi, Global Icons Grieve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the demise of one of India’s “most iconic and versatile voices.” Shah Rukh Khan stated that her voice “will resonate across the world for centuries.” British singer Boy George recalled her “silk-like” voice from their 1991 collaboration. Shatrughan Sinha posted that “Music Thy Name is Asha Bhosle.”

Preparations Underway at Shivaji Park

Security has been tightened at Shivaji Park Crematorium ahead of the 4 PM funeral. The hearse is being decorated with white flowers as celebrities continue to arrive at her residence. Maharashtra Governor, Uddhav Thackeray, Supriya Sule, and Asha Parekh have all paid their respects. The nation bids farewell to a voice that defined generations of Indian cinema.