Why is Mojtaba Khamenei skipping his father's funeral? Iran supreme leader's aide reveals

Published 3 July 2026 · india

Mojtaba Khamenei will not take part in the funeral ceremonies for his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, due to security concerns, according to Ayatollah

Mojtaba Khamenei will not take part in the funeral ceremonies for his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, due to security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the current leader's representative in India, reported ANI. Elahi said the decision was reportedly prompted by Israeli threats and the risk of surveillance, making a public appearance unsafe. Iranian authorities are conducting funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from July 4 to July 9 at multiple locations across Iran and Iraq. Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on February 28, the first day of the US-Israel war with Iran. Indian dignitaries pay tribute to Khamenei Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why is Mojtaba Khamenei skipping his father's funeral? ⌵ Mojtaba Khamenei is skipping his father's funeral due to security concerns, prompted by threats from Israel and risks of surveillance, making his public appearance unsafe. 2 When are the funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei taking place? ⌵ The funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are scheduled from July 4 to July 9, taking place at multiple locations across Iran and Iraq. 3 What role are Indian dignitaries playing in Khamenei's funeral? ⌵ Indian dignitaries, including prominent leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Salman Khurshid, are attending Khamenei's funeral to pay tribute, marking significant diplomatic engagement between India and Iran.

4 How has Iran's Foreign Minister responded to threats against its leadership? ⌵ Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a warning directed at the US, stating any threats against Iran's leadership would trigger an immediate and powerful response. 5 What influence do Israeli threats have on Iran's political decisions? ⌵ Israeli threats, particularly remarks about targeting Iranian leaders, heavily influence Iran's political decisions by increasing the perceived need for security measures among its officials. Several prominent Indian leaders have paid tribute to former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei ahead of the official state funeral ceremonies in Tehran. The update was shared by the Embassy of Iran in India in a post on X, which said, “Indian Dignitaries Pay Tribute to the Martyred Leader of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.” Also Read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to attend Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral in Iran An image posted by the embassy featured People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and Salman Khurshid, who heads the Congress party's foreign affairs department, along with other delegates preparing to travel to Iran for the state funeral. Mufti departed from New Delhi for Tehran on Thursday evening to attend the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which are scheduled from July 4.