Iran’s current Supreme Leader, , will not attend the final farewell ceremony of his father, former Supreme Leader , due to security concerns, according to Iranian officials.
The information was confirmed by Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the representative of Iran’s supreme leader in India, who said the decision was made because of persistent security threats against Iran’s top leadership.
In an interview with India Today, Elahi said the ongoing threats from Israel have made it impossible for Mojtaba Khamenei to appear publicly at the ceremony.
The development comes after Israeli Defense Minister recently described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “target for elimination,” further heightening tensions between the two regional rivals.
Reacting to the threat, Iranian Foreign Minister warned that any future hostile action against the country’s leadership would be met with a strong response.
Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 28 during the first day of military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to Iranian and regional media reports.
The funeral of Ali Khamenei is expected to draw millions of mourners and foreign dignitaries, as Iran remains on high alert amid fears of further escalation in the region.
