The body of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque ahead of what is expected to be a record-breaking funeral. Khamenei, who ruled Iran for over 36 years, was killed alongside several family members in a US-Israeli strike on February 28.
According to a Friday (July 3) report by Al Jazeera, an estimated 20 million people are expected to attend the services. If realized, this gathering will mark the largest funeral in Iran’s history. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in his hometown of Mashhad.
Meanwhile, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been barred from leading his father’s funeral prayers due to severe security threats.
Hakim Elahi, the Supreme Leader’s representative in India, told India Today on Thursday that Mojtaba had intended to make his first public appearance since the February attacks to lead the prayers. However, Iranian security forces intervened.
"Last week I was in Iran and spoke with friends who met Mojtaba Khamenei. He wanted to come out in public and lead the funeral prayer, but security forces did not support this," Elahi said. "They stated it would be too dangerous and they could not guarantee his safety. Therefore, I believe he will not appear."
Elahi also confirmed that Mojtaba has not nominated a specific replacement to lead the prayers in his absence. "If the situation were favorable, the new supreme leader would have led it," he added. "Unfortunately, the situation is not favorable right now."
