Mojtaba Khamenei unlikely to attend father’s funeral amid security fears, says top Iranian cleric
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is unlikely to make a public appearance at his father’s funeral due to serious security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the Supreme Leader’s Representative in India.
Speaking exclusively to India Today before departing for Tehran from New Delhi, Elahi said Mojtaba Khamenei wanted to join the funeral ceremonies but had been advised against it because authorities could not guarantee his safety.
“He wants to come out. He wants to meet people. But the security doesn’t allow him to come,” Elahi said, adding that officials considered the situation too dangerous to ensure his protection.
Iran prepares for massive funeral ceremonies
Iran is set to hold several days of funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US and Israeli strikes during the opening phase of the recent conflict. The events are expected to draw large crowds in Tehran before continuing with processions in Qom, Mashhad and memorial gatherings in Iraq.
Elahi said the country remained in deep mourning, describing Khamenei’s death as an irreplaceable loss for many Iranians.
“They believe they have lost their spirit and their soul. Nothing can replace him,” he said, adding that supporters from across Iran and abroad were travelling to attend the funeral and express solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
‘Iran emerged stronger’
Commenting on the regional situation, Elahi claimed Iran had emerged from the conflict in a stronger position despite Israeli threats of further military action.
According to him, several countries had praised Iran’s response during the war, and the country remained prepared to defend itself if required.
Salman Khurshid to represent Congress at funeral
Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will travel to Tehran on behalf of the Congress after Iran invited party president Mallikarjun Kharge to attend the funeral.
Khurshid said the visit reflected India’s longstanding ties with Iran and described it as both a diplomatic and humanitarian responsibility.
“In difficult times, it is a duty to stand with a friend,” he said, recalling Iran’s support for India during previous diplomatic challenges, including its backing during tensions with Pakistan.
He also noted that Iran had facilitated the safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the recent conflict and said the Congress had accepted the invitation immediately.
Khurshid will carry a condolence letter from Kharge to Iranian authorities during the visit.
A historic moment for Iran
The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks one of the most significant events in the Islamic Republic’s history, coming after the death of the country’s highest political and religious authority during the recent war.
Black mourning banners have been put up across Iranian cities, while religious gatherings rooted in Shi’ite traditions are being held nationwide. The funeral is expected to serve not only as a farewell to Iran’s longtime leader but also as a demonstration of unity as the country navigates a sensitive leadership transition amid heightened regional tensions.
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