US Official Says Iran Talks Will Continue After Khamenei Funeral
US Confirms Continued Iran Talks After Funeral
A US official has confirmed that indirect talks between the United States and Iran will continue after the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [4] Iran has initiated a week of mourning for the leader. [1] The next round of indirect US-Iran talks is scheduled to take place after the funeral proceedings conclude. [4] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been involved in related diplomatic engagements, including a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Tehran. [1]
Khamenei Killed in Opening Israeli Strike
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by an Israeli strike on a Tehran bunker on February 28 along with his defense minister, several IRGC generals and some family members including his 14-month-old granddaughter. [1] Israel and the US launched Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury on February 28 aimed at creating conditions for regime change. [1] Iran retaliated with missile attacks across the Middle East including on US bases, killing 13 IDF soldiers, 23 Israeli civilians, and 13 US soldiers while injuring at least 7,693 in Israel. [1] A ceasefire was announced on April 7 and took effect April 8. [1]
Ceasefire and June Memorandum of Understanding
In June the US and Iran agreed to a Qatar- and Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding that included a 60-day ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a timeline for permanent end to the war covering nuclear issues and reconstruction. [4] The 14-point deal set a timeline for talks to permanently end the war and settle issues like arrangements for Hormuz, reconstruction funding for Iran and the future of the Islamic republic’s nuclear program. [4] On 17 June 2026, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran reached an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the cessation of hostilities. [5]
IRGC General Vahidi Emerges to Shape Negotiations
Powerful IRGC general Ahmad Vahidi has emerged from hiding and is playing a major role in formulating Iran’s negotiating stance. [3] He is in contact with new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei who remains in hiding after being wounded. [3] Vahidi has become a major player in formulating Iran’s tough stance in negotiating a possible permanent end to the war with the United States. [3] He is believed to be part of a small clique in direct contact with Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. [3] Vahidi himself had not been seen publicly since Feb. 8, weeks before the Iran war began. [3]
Lebanon Defends US-Backed Framework Deal With Israel
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended a US-backed framework agreement with Israel for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, calling the talks a “diplomatic war” and vowing not to cede any territory. [2] Syrian FM assured no military intervention in Lebanon. [2] Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Beirut to assure Aoun that Damascus has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon. [2] Aoun said Beirut decided to engage in talks “to guarantee Israel’s withdrawal from its territory”. [2] The framework agreement envisions the Lebanese army gradually establishing its authority over southern Lebanon as Hezbollah disarms and Israel withdraws. [2] Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that the Israeli army would remain “until further notice” in what it describes as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. [2]
Funeral Arrangements and Mourning Period
Beginning Saturday, Iran will hold a dayslong funeral for Khamenei, and his body will be transported to cities in both Iran and neighboring Iraq. [3] Authorities plan to shut down streets, airspace and daily life in Tehran as mourners commemorate the life of Khamenei. [3] Photos published online by Iranian state media showed Gen. Ahmad Vahidi attending a meeting about the funeral of Khamenei, then sitting alongside his casket as Iran’s theocracy held a smaller service for him Thursday night near the supreme leader’s former home in downtown Tehran. [3] State media said Khamenei’s body sat within a coffin on a stage, with red tulips lined up in front of it. [3] What appeared to be paper butterflies hung from the ceiling in front of it. [3] On Friday morning, security forces carried Khamenei’s coffin overhead by hand as it arrived at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. [3] Religious leaders walked past Khamenei’s coffin, as well as others of his slain family, including his 14-month-old granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani. [3]
What to watch next: The next indirect US-Iran talks will resume after the funeral concludes, while Khamenei’s body continues its transport to cities in Iran and Iraq amid the dayslong mourning period.
