By Staff Reporter
QOM, Iran – July 7, 2026 — Funeral prayers for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and members of his family are under way in the holy city of Qom, marking the final stage of nationwide mourning following his death in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on February 28.
Thousands of mourners gathered as Khamenei’s coffin was carried through the streets of Tehran before being transported to Qom for burial. The procession drew large crowds, reflecting the significance of the late leader in Iran’s political and religious life.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise. The United Kingdom’s maritime security agency reported that an oil tanker off the coast of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fire on board. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In another significant development, Hamas announced that it will relinquish its role in governing Gaza, opening the way for a technocratic committee to oversee civilian administration in the territory.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence continues across the region. Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon reportedly killed at least six Palestinians and four Lebanese, even as U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreements remain in place.
The developments underscore the continuing instability across the Middle East, where political transitions, military confrontations, and security threats continue to shape the region’s rapidly evolving landscape.
