Funeral-related ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have triggered heightened security measures and political attention, as questions emerge over the absence of key family members and the rare public appearance of senior military leadership. The developments come amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns over potential security threats during the multi-day events.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader, will not attend the funeral ceremonies due to security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, who is described as the current leader’s representative in India. Elahi stated that Israeli threats and surveillance risks have made Mojtaba Khamenei’s public presence “dangerous,” as reported by ANI. The decision highlights the heightened risk environment surrounding high-profile figures during the proceedings.

According to the reported schedule, funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran on July 4, before moving to Qom on July 7 and concluding with burial in Mashhad on July 9. The late Ali Khamenei, who is described in the report as having led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the opening day of US–Israel military strikes on Iran. Authorities have framed the ceremonies as large-scale national mourning events expected to draw significant public participation.

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In a parallel development, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the caretaker commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), made his first public appearance since the conflict began. In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy in Indonesia said Vahidi was seen attending a final tribute and farewell procession. Vahidi, a veteran IRGC figure, previously headed the Quds Force between 1988 and 1997 before later serving as Iran’s defence and interior minister.

The report notes that Vahidi assumed a senior command role after Mohammad Pakpour was reportedly killed in the early phase of the US–Israel conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have tightened security ahead of the ceremonies, including office closures in Tehran, traffic restrictions, and partial airspace limitations as large crowds are expected.

State-linked broadcaster IRIB has reported that representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies. Officials say the arrangements reflect both the scale of public mourning and the security sensitivity surrounding the events, as Iran prepares for several days of high-profile state observances.

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