Iran Delays Khamenei’s Farewell Amid Israeli Threats to His Succession
According to Tasnim News Agency, the funeral ceremony for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was forced to be postponed. Khamenei and members of his family were killed in a joint airstrike attributed to Israel and the United States. Officials cited logistical difficulties, notably the high demand from citizens across provinces to pay their final respects. Behind this, security concerns dominated; memories of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s funeral in 1989, which drew around 10 million mourners, have heightened fears that such a large gathering could become a target for subsequent air raids.
Earlier, Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda Office, had announced that the homage would run for three days in the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall. ‘The prayer hall will receive visitors; beloved citizens may attend and take part in the farewell and once again demonstrate a strong presence,’ he said.
Khamenei’s death at 86 leaves a vacuum in the absolute authority Iran has held since 1989. The Assembly of Experts, comprising 88 members, is racing against time to determine his successor.
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts, signalled that the decision was near despite the nation’s precarious situation. Speaking to state television, he stated: ‘The Supreme Leader will be identified in the near future; we are close to a conclusion, but the country’s situation is one of war.’
Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s second son, has emerged as a strong candidate. Reuters reported that Mojtaba survived the attack that killed his father.
Meanwhile, Israel shows no sign of easing tensions. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz bluntly warned that anyone who ascends to the throne will be targeted for assassination if they lead Iran’s effort to destroy Israel, threaten the United States, the free world, and regional stability.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump expressed hope that Iran’s new leadership would align more closely with American interests. Analysts, however, say the Iranian political structure will not be easily unsettled.
Luciano Zaccara of Qatar University observed that Iran’s system is prepared to weather even the worst-case scenarios: ‘Its structure remains; the lines of power and command remain in place.’
Foreign Minister Sugiono delivered official condolences from President Prabowo Subianto to the Iranian ambassador.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s elite military unit, asserted it would intensify its resistance following Khamenei’s death.
The widow of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reported to have died, according to Mehr News Agency, amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Trump said Washington would sever trade ties with Spain over its refusal to allow the use of a base.
Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda stated that President Prabowo Subianto will weigh Indonesia’s position in the Board of Peace (BOP).
Meanwhile, a United Nations independent investigation into human rights abuses in Iran has strongly condemned the U.S.-Israel attack on the country.