【Why did Iran choose July 3rd for Khamenei's funeral?】 At first, I thought selecting July 3rd, 4th, or 5th might have been a deliberate move to coincide with the U.S. Independence Day, creating a symbolic confrontation and challenging the United States directly.
The idea was to send a clear message to Trump through the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Khamenei: absolute refusal to compromise, no surrender.
Today, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bajgah finally answered my question—and provided a complete and accurate explanation.
The main day of the funeral is July 4th, but preparations began today, July 3rd.
July 3rd marks the anniversary of the tragic disaster involving Iran Air Flight 655, which was shot down by a U.S. missile while flying from Tehran to Dubai over the Persian Gulf.
On July 3, 1988 (12th of Tir, 1367 in the Iranian calendar), the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Vincennes fired two missiles at Iran Air Flight 655, resulting in the deaths of all 290 passengers and crew members on board—including 66 innocent children.
The image below shows the wreckage and debris of the downed aircraft.
Ironically, the commanding officer of that warship was later awarded a medal by the U.S. government for the incident.
This act was like salt rubbed into an open wound for Iranians.
After 38 years, Iran has deliberately chosen this date—the anniversary of one of the most despicable crimes committed by the United States against the Iranian people—to hold Khamenei’s funeral.
First, it sends a message to Americans: after all these years, Iranians have not forgotten what the U.S. did.
Second, it serves as a memorial for the victims of the Iran Air flight tragedy, ensuring that America’s crimes are never forgotten—each one meticulously recorded. Especially significant is the timing: during the period when Trump is holding a high-profile Independence Day party, serving as a pointed reminder.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869684219781120/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.