Mojtaba Khamenei is unlikely to attend the funeral of his father, late Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to serious security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the Supreme Leader’s Representative in India.
Speaking before leaving for Tehran, Elahi said Mojtaba Khamenei wished to meet the public but security agencies had advised against any public appearance, citing the inability to guarantee his safety amid ongoing regional tensions.
The funeral comes as Iran begins several days of state mourning and funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing religious leaders, foreign dignitaries and representatives from nearly 100 countries. Large processions are expected across Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf and Karbala under heightened security arrangements.
Elahi described Khamenei’s death as a profound loss for the Iranian people, saying thousands of mourners were travelling from across Iran and abroad to pay their final respects and express solidarity with the country’s leadership.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid is representing the party at the funeral ceremonies in Tehran. He is carrying a condolence letter from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and said India’s longstanding relationship with Iran made it important to stand with the country during its time of grief.
Authorities have deployed extensive security measures throughout the funeral events as Iran remains on high alert following recent hostilities in the region.(Agencies)
