Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, will not attend the funeral ceremonies of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, because of security concerns, Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, Khamenei's representative in India, has stated.
He said the risk posed by alleged Israeli threats and surveillance has made the new leader's public appearance "dangerous," ANI reports.
Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, sparking a regional conflict.
Funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4 and conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.
The funeral programme also includes commemorative events in the holy city of Qom on July 7, along with other religious ceremonies.
Iranian officials expect millions of people to attend the six-day mourning period, making it one of the most closely watched international events.
Large posters and billboards featuring the late leader have been displayed across the country ahead of the ceremonies.
Reports about the timing of the funeral had circulated since March.
Although Islamic tradition generally calls for burial within 24 hours of death, the funeral was postponed because of the wartime circumstances.
