In a significant development, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's late Supreme Leader, will not attend the funeral of his father, Ali Khamenei, due to severe security concerns, according to Iran's representative in India.
The security measures have been heightened following escalating tensions with Israel. Ayatollah Hakim Ilahi, the Iranian representative, stated that Mojtaba’s public appearance could pose a major risk given the ongoing threats from Israeli forces. Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years, was assassinated on February 28 following a joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
The funeral proceedings for the former Supreme Leader are scheduled to commence in Tehran on July 4. The final burial will take place on July 9 in his native, holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. Additionally, key funeral rituals and religious ceremonies will be held on July 7 in the holy city of Qom, located south of Tehran. Millions of mourners are expected to gather across the state over the six-day mourning period.
Indian Delegation to Represent the Nation
An official Indian delegation will travel to Iran to attend the funeral services of Ali Khamenei. The delegation will include Bihar Governor-General Syed Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margherita. Furthermore, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid is reported to attend the ceremonies as a representative of the Indian National Congress party.
Although Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had extended a formal invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral of the Shia cleric, PM Modi is unlikely to be part of the visiting delegation.
Escalating Geopolitical Conflict in the Middle East
The development comes amidst failing diplomatic efforts in the region. Although Iran and the United States signed a peace treaty last month, persistent crossfires in the Middle East have pushed the ceasefire to a highly fragile state.
Recently, Iran targeted and struck a commercial vessel that had veered off its approved route through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a swift retaliation, the US Central Command announced that it had successfully neutralized 10 Iranian military targets. Following this, Iranian forces launched retaliatory strikes on US military bases located in Kuwait and Bahrain, further escalating the regional conflict.
