Iranian officials are reportedly hesitant to proceed with the burial of the deceased Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. The delay in laying him to rest has raised concerns, with his son now assuming leadership following his demise.
Contrary to tradition, the remains of the cleric remain unburied, as highlighted in reports by the New York Post. A security expert has attributed the delay to Tehran’s reluctance to carry out the burial process.
While millions of Iranians mourned during the state funeral of Khamenei’s predecessor in 1989, the response to Khamenei’s passing has been notably subdued due to various factors, including the fear of potential Israeli airstrikes and nationalist uprisings.
The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader who has not made any public appearances since his appointment, adds to the complexities surrounding the burial arrangements. Iranian officials are contemplating Mashhad, a city in the northeast, as a potential burial site due to its strategic location and ties to Khamenei’s roots.
Initial plans for a state funeral on March 4 were disrupted by escalated military actions. With no set dates for the burial ceremony, the situation remains uncertain amid a temporary truce between the US and Iran set to expire soon.
