Tehran: A major development has come to light during the funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to media reports, his son and potential successor Mojtaba Khamenei will not publicly attend the funeral due to security reasons. It is believed that Iran’s security agencies have expressed apprehension of serious danger regarding his presence.
Why won’t Mojtaba Khamenei go to the funeral?
According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei had expressed his desire to attend his father’s funeral, but Iran’s security agencies did not allow him. Officials fear that his life may be in danger if he appears in public. Security agencies also believe that his public engagements could be used to trace his whereabouts.
Since when was Mojtaba not seen in public?
It is being told that Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since the joint attacks by America and Israel on 28 February. Reports claim that he was seriously injured in that attack and his face was also affected. There were also reports of the death of his wife and son in the same attack, although these claims have not been independently confirmed.
Why is speculation increasing regarding Mojtaba’s whereabouts?
Mojtaba was also not present at his wife’s condolence meeting held in Tehran recently. His frequent absence from public events has further intensified speculations regarding his current whereabouts and security arrangements. According to reports, currently they are in touch only through written messages.
Has a power struggle over succession started in Iran?
Analysts believe that after Khamenei’s death, the tussle over succession within Iran’s ruling establishment has intensified. Different political and religious groups are trying to strengthen their influence. It is believed that the major appointments to be held in the coming days will indicate towards which faction the power of the country is leaning.
Which groups are active in Iran’s internal politics?
According to reports, the fight for supremacy between Iran’s moderate and fundamentalist factions has intensified. The influence of leaders like President Massoud Pejeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bakar Ghalibaf is also considered important in this political equation. Both the factions are emphasising different strategies to deal with the country’s economic challenges and foreign policy.
Why did tension increase on the Strait of Hormuz?
Amidst this entire incident, Iran has once again opposed any foreign military activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the security of this strategic sea route is the responsibility of the coastal countries and outside interference will not be accepted. Even before this, Iran has been warning Western countries on this issue.
What could happen next?
Experts believe that after the funeral, Iran’s new political appointments will decide in which direction the country’s power will go. The world will also keep an eye on Mojtaba Khamenei’s public return, his security and possible political role. If he does not appear in public for a long time, speculations about Iran’s leadership may intensify.
