TEHRAN: Iranian security and intelligence agencies denied clearance for Supreme Leader designate Mojtaba Khamenei to attend the funeral and burial of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, due to security concerns, according to a report by The New York Times.
The report, citing four senior Iranian officials involved in funeral security arrangements, said authorities feared that his public appearance could expose him to potential targeting by Israel or reveal his location.
According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei had expressed a wish to personally lead funeral prayers in Mashhad on July 9, but security officials refused permission.
The New York Times said its account was based on interviews with two members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and another source involved in funeral arrangements, all speaking on condition of anonymity.
The report also suggested that internal political divisions within Iran’s conservative establishment have deepened, with hardline factions opposing diplomatic engagement with the United States while some moderate voices continue to support negotiations due to economic pressures.
Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed or denied the claims, and the Khamenei office has not issued a public statement regarding the report.