TEHRAN (Web Desk) - Iran has yet to officially announce who will lead the funeral prayers of the late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, despite the release of a multi-city funeral schedule.
Authorities have also not clarified whether the same cleric will lead the funeral prayers in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, or if different religious figures will preside over the ceremonies.
However, sources within Iran's Foreign Ministry told local media that Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani is expected to lead the main funeral prayer.
Historical precedent
Historically, the funeral prayer of a deceased Iranian supreme leader has not necessarily been led by the successor.
When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died on June 3, 1989, his funeral prayer was led on June 6 by Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Golpayegani, the head of the Qom seminary.
At the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood in the front row beside Golpayegani but had not yet been chosen as supreme leader.
Khamenei was formally elected as Iran's supreme leader nearly two months later, on August 6, 1989.
Security concerns over new supreme leader
Following Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination in a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28, Iran appointed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new supreme leader within a week.
However, the funeral and burial of the late leader were postponed.
With funeral ceremonies now scheduled during a period of partial ceasefire, attention has shifted to whether the new supreme leader will personally lead the funeral prayer for his father.
The question has become particularly significant because Iranian officials are reportedly treating the new supreme leader as a high-value security target.
Since assuming office, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has not publicly met any foreign dignitary, and details of his movements and official engagements have remained tightly guarded.
Iranian officials believe the security risks remain exceptionally high, arguing that Washington and its allies failed to achieve their stated objective of regime change following the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
The succession by his 56-year-old son also ensured continuity of the Islamic Republic's leadership, despite expectations among opposition groups that the political system could collapse.
Funeral schedule
According to the announced programme, funeral prayer gatherings will take place in Tehran from July 4 to July 6, followed by ceremonies in Qom on July 7.
On July 8, the body will be taken to Iraq, where additional funeral prayers are scheduled in Najaf and Karbala, before being returned to Iran later the same day.
The final funeral prayer will be held in Mashhad on July 9, after which Ayatollah Khamenei will be laid to rest there.
Massive turnout expected
Sources estimate that more than 20 million people could participate in the funeral ceremonies, presenting an unprecedented security challenge for Iranian authorities.