New York, USA – A New York Times report revealed that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, wished to attend his father’s funeral.
However, Iranian security services opposed this for security reasons.
Fears of direct targeting
The report stated that security agencies believed Mojtaba Khamenei participation in the funeral could expose him to the risk of assassination,
given the security challenges surrounding the event. This led them to refuse his attendance.
It indicated that security assessments concluded his public appearance could present an opportunity for an attack targeting him.
Concerns about his whereabouts
According to the newspaper, the security services’ decision was
also based on concerns that Mojtaba Khamenei appearance at the funeral would reveal his whereabouts.
This was deemed an unacceptable security risk by the relevant authorities.
The report added that these considerations led security officials
to recommend against his participation in the ceremony, despite his desire to attend.
Tight security measures
This comes amid heightened security measures surrounding the funeral and burial of the late Iranian Supreme Leader.
At the same time, Iranian authorities ensured the security of the events
and implemented exceptional measures to protect prominent figures.
This is occurring against a backdrop of ongoing security tensions in the country and the region.
