Agencies | New Delhi :
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is unlikely to make a public appearance during the state funeral ceremonies of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to heightened security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the Supreme Leader’s Representative in India.
Speaking to India Today, Elahi said Mojtaba Khamenei is keen to attend the funeral and interact with mourners but has been advised against doing so by security agencies because of the prevailing threat environment.
“They said it is very dangerous and we cannot provide security for him. I think he will not come out,” Elahi said.
According to Elahi, authorities have concluded that the current security situation does not allow them to guarantee the safety of Iran’s top leadership. The funeral is being held amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing concerns over potential security threats.
Describing the mood inside Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Elahi said the country is in deep mourning, with supporters viewing the loss as both an emotional and spiritual setback.
“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.
Thousands of mourners, along with international dignitaries, are expected to attend the state funeral in Tehran, where authorities have put extensive security arrangements in place.
Commenting on the broader regional situation, Elahi said Iran remained resilient despite recent hostilities and was prepared to face emerging challenges. He also claimed that several countries had expressed support for Iran’s position amid continuing regional tensions.
