Mojtaba Khamenei unlikely to attend father's funeral due to security risks

Mojtaba Khamenei unlikely to attend father's funeral due to security risks

As Iran prepares for the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is unlikely to make a public appearance. Security agencies have advised against the appearance of the son of the late leader, citing significant safety risks and a current regional security situation that makes providing security for him very dangerous.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran. According to reports, the 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei was dangerously wounded in the same attack, suffering serious injuries to his leg and face.

The funeral events are scheduled to begin in Tehran, with ceremonies at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla Complex on July 3 and a memorial program on July 4. The main funeral procession is scheduled for July 6, and the ceremonies will conclude with a burial in Mashhad on July 9. Mass processions are also planned for next week in Qom and Mashhad, along with ceremonies in Iraq.

Hakim Elahi, the Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei expressed a desire to attend the ceremonies, meet supporters, and lead the funeral prayers. However, Elahi noted that security officials have not allowed it.

"I was in Iran last week and I visited some of my friends who met him and they said he wants to come out,"

Hakim Elahi, Supreme Leader's representative in India, via Free Press Journal

Since taking over as Supreme Leader in March, Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public and has not appeared in video messages. His voice has not been heard publicly, and he has communicated only through written statements. In his first public message after taking office, he stated that Iran would continue to pressure enemies and would continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz or attacking US bases in the region if necessary.

While Iranian officials claim he is mentally strong, recovering from injuries, and directing negotiations with Washington through voice messages, his prolonged absence has fueled doubts about his well-being and questions regarding who is running the country.

The atmosphere surrounding the funeral remains tense. Iran has warned the United States and Israel against attacks ahead of the processions. Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned enemies to avoid miscalculation and consider the harsh retaliation the armed forces would make to any threat.

This warning follows comments from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who stated that Mojtaba Khamenei was marked for death. In response, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would deliver an immediate and powerful response to threats against the leadership or people.

International dignitaries have been invited to the events. The Iranian government extended invitations to several Indian political figures, including:

• Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People's Democratic Party, who confirmed she would travel to Tehran.
• Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, former Union Minister.
• Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president.
• Salman Khurshid, former External Affairs Minister, who is likely to represent the Congress party.
• Pawan Khera, Congress media department chief.

Media reports claim nearly 20 million people could attend the various events, though this figure is not officially confirmed. Whether Mojtaba Khamenei breaks his months-long seclusion to appear at the funeral remains the primary focus of global attention, as such a move would be the first public appearance since the war began and could help establish his legitimacy.