Mojtaba Khamenei Unlikely to Attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Funeral Due to Security Concerns, Says Aide
Mojtaba Khamenei is unlikely to make a public appearance at the funeral of his father, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, because authorities cannot guarantee his safety, the Supreme Leader’s Representative in India, Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, said in an exclusive interview with India Today.
Speaking before departing for Tehran from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Elahi said security officials had advised Mojtaba Khamenei against attending the funeral ceremonies despite his desire to meet the public.
“I was in Iran last week and met some of my friends who met him. They said he wants to come out. He wants to meet people. But the security doesn’t allow him to come,” Elahi said.
“They said ‘it is very dangerous and we cannot provide security for him’. I think he will not come out,” he added.
According to Elahi, the decision is based entirely on security concerns as Iran prepares for several days of funeral ceremonies amid heightened tensions with Israel.
Salman Khurshid to represent Congress at funeral
Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, who is travelling to Tehran to represent the Congress party, described his visit as both diplomatic and humanitarian, saying India should stand with Iran during its period of mourning.
“Today, in their sympathy, and at the time of their grief, we can go and share their grief,” Khurshid said.
He added that Congress immediately accepted Iran’s invitation and entrusted him with representing the party.
“So Mr. Kharge has written a letter. I will take that letter and send it to the host there,” Khurshid said, referring to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s condolence message.
Funeral marks a defining moment for Iran
The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks one of the most significant moments in the Islamic Republic’s 47-year history. Khamenei, who led Iran for decades, was killed in US and Israeli strikes during the opening phase of the recent conflict, triggering a leadership transition and a week of nationwide mourning.
Iran’s clerical leadership is preparing several days of funeral ceremonies in Tehran, followed by processions in Qom and Mashhad and memorial events in Iraq.
Across Iran, black mourning banners have been displayed and religious gatherings organised in keeping with Shi’ite traditions of commemorating martyrs, with many invoking the martyrdom of Imam Hossein.
Khurshid highlights India-Iran ties
Khurshid said India and Iran share a longstanding relationship that should be reflected during difficult times.
“It is important for India because during the war, many questions were raised about who is with whom and how much is he with them. In bad times, it is a duty of a person to support his friend. It is a duty of any country,” he told India Today.
Recalling Iran’s support for India during previous diplomatic challenges, he said, “When we had a problem with Pakistan, I went to Geneva with Mr. Atal Bihari Bajpayee. At that time, Iran supported us very openly.”
Khurshid acknowledged that India’s ties with countries such as the United States and Israel sometimes complicate its relationship with Tehran, but said Iran had never complained about New Delhi’s position.
“I have this feeling that Iran has supported India from a big distance,” he said, adding that Iran also helped ensure the safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the recent conflict.
‘People believe nothing can replace him’
Describing the public mood in Iran, Elahi said many supporters regarded Khamenei’s death as an irreplaceable loss.
“It is a very, very big loss for them. They think they have lost their spirit, their soul. They believe nothing can replace him,” he said.
Also Read:“Reverse Work In Taxila Or Risk Danger List”: UNESCO To Pakistan
Elahi added that people from across Iran and abroad were travelling to attend the funeral ceremonies.
“They are coming to show their solidarity and to say that we are with you, we will never forget you and we will follow your path,” he said.
The funeral is expected to draw massive crowds over several days, with processions planned in multiple cities before Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is laid to rest.
Elahi says Iran emerged stronger after conflict
Responding to questions about Israel’s threats of further military action, Elahi said Iran had emerged from the conflict in a stronger position.
“A lot of countries were praising Iran and saying Iran won the war. Iran still is very strong and is ready to stand up,” he said.
Iran has maintained that international participation in the funeral ceremonies will continue despite the prevailing security situation.