Media outlets affiliated with the Taliban have reported that a delegation from the Taliban administration will travel to Tehran to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to these reports, the delegation will be headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
The reports come after the Islamic Republic of Iran extended an invitation to Mullah Hassan Akhund, the Taliban’s Prime Minister, to attend the ceremonies. In this regard, Alireza Bikdeli, Iran’s ambassador to Kabul, formally delivered an invitation to Mullah Abdul Wasi, Head of the Administrative Office of the Prime Minister, inviting Taliban officials to participate in the funeral and burial ceremonies for Ali Khamenei.
Radio Hurriyat, a Taliban-affiliated media outlet, citing its sources, reported that arrangements for Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar’s visit are being finalized and that the final composition of the delegation will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, Iranian media have reported that the funeral and burial ceremonies for the former Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic will begin on Saturday next week.
According to Taliban-affiliated media, consultations are continuing over the level of participation and the officials who will accompany Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Diplomatic coordination between Taliban authorities and the Iranian Embassy in Kabul is also ongoing to facilitate the visit.
Ali Khamenei was killed approximately four months ago after being targeted in large-scale airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. The incident occurred amid continuing tensions and military confrontations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S.- and Israeli-led coalition.
Following his death, the Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials have also stated that the funeral and burial ceremonies for Ali Khamenei were postponed because of the ongoing wartime conditions and were delayed until circumstances permitted their safe and appropriate conduct.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
