Houthi Official Claims US and Israel Behind Khamenei's Assassination

Allegations Surrounding Khamenei's Death

A prominent official from the Houthi movement has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing his advocacy for the Palestinian cause and his significant influence in the Muslim community. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Political Bureau of Ansarullah, made these statements during memorial services for Khamenei in Tehran, as reported by Iran's state media. This claim emerged as Iran commenced an extensive funeral program for Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Al-Bukhaiti emphasized that Khamenei's impact transcended Iran's borders, portraying him as a pivotal figure in what Tehran and its allies refer to as the resistance movement. He characterized Khamenei as a “symbol of resistance” and a beacon for nations striving for independence and liberation from American and Israeli influence. “He will forever inspire people globally,” the Houthi representative asserted.

Houthis Connect Khamenei's Assassination to Support for Palestine

Houthis Link Khamenei Assassination To Palestine Support

According to IRNA, al-Bukhaiti claimed that Khamenei's ideological influence across the Muslim world and his commitment to the “liberation of Palestine” were key reasons behind the US and Israel's decision to target him. “These factors were significant in prompting the assassination,” he alleged. This assertion aligns with the Houthi movement's narrative and was reported by Iranian state media, which did not include any response from US or Israeli officials regarding al-Bukhaiti's comments.

The Houthis, also known as Ansarullah, have consistently framed their military and political actions in the context of the Palestinian struggle and their opposition to Israel and the US. Al-Bukhaiti's remarks thus contextualize Khamenei's death within the ideological framework shared by Iran-aligned factions in the region. His statements coincided with the arrival of senior foreign delegations and large crowds in Tehran to honor the former Supreme Leader.

Khamenei's Funeral Procession Commences

Khamenei Funeral Procession Begins In Tehran

As reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, Khamenei's funeral procession commenced at 6 am local time on Monday from Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex, where his body had been displayed for two days. Organizers anticipate the procession will last between 10 to 12 hours, covering a 10-kilometer route through major streets and squares in the capital. Press TV described the event as potentially “the largest public gathering in the country's modern history.” Funeral prayers were conducted on Sunday by Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani for Khamenei and his family members who also perished, according to the broadcaster. The ceremonies are set to continue in Qom on Tuesday, followed by processions at the shrines of Imam Ali in Najaf and Imam Hussein and Hazrat Abbas in Karbala on Wednesday. Khamenei's burial is planned for Thursday, July 9, at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, in accordance with his wishes, as reported by Press TV.

International Delegations Attend Khamenei's Funeral

Foreign Delegations Arrive For Khamenei Funeral

Delegations from numerous countries, including high-ranking officials from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Tajikistan, and Turkey, have arrived in Tehran to pay their respects, according to Press TV. Millions of mourners gathered for the ceremonies as Iranian political and military leaders vowed to uphold Khamenei's legacy and ensure accountability for those responsible for his assassination. The scale of the funeral has unfolded amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israeli strikes that resulted in the former Iranian leader's death. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic but is expected to miss the six-day funeral ceremonies due to security concerns amid ongoing Israeli threats, as reported by various news outlets. In this context, the Houthi claim linking Khamenei's assassination to Palestine adds another layer of political significance to the already profound funeral events for Iran and its allies.