Mehbooba Mufti, in Tehran for Khamenei's funeral, says his death motivated Iran
Mehbooba Mufti also revealed that she has written to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, to convey her condolences following his father's death in the US-Israeli airstrike on February 28.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday praised Iran for standing up to the might of the United States, saying the country’s conduct during and after the war has inspired people across the Muslim world.
Speaking to India Today in Tehran, Mufti, who was among the Opposition leaders attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said the late leader’s “martyrdom” has united not only the people of Iran but also Muslims around the world.
“His martyrdom has taught the world that you do not need a nuclear bomb, only courage and determination to defeat a superpower like the US,” she said.
Praising the Iranian leadership, Mufti said it has shown restraint and maturity during negotiations, leading to what she described as a “win-win situation” for Tehran.
“I salute Iran’s resilience, its courage in the face of such adversity,” she said.
Mufti also revealed that she has written to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, to convey her condolences following his father’s death in the US-Israeli airstrike on February 28.
“I told him that the people of our country stand with Iran during this crisis,” she said.
Highlighting the historical and cultural links between Kashmir and Iran, Mufti said the Valley is often referred to as “Mini Iran” because of the deep Persian influence on the region.
“The people of Kashmir have always stood with Iran and will continue to do so,” she added.
WEEK-LONG FUNERAL PROCESSION
Iran has organised a week-long funeral procession for Khamenei, who will be buried in Mashhad on July 9. His mortal remains will lie in state in Tehran until Monday, allowing millions of mourners to pay their final respects.
After leaving Tehran, the funeral procession will travel to the seminary city of Qom and the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before concluding with his burial in Mashhad.
On Friday, dignitaries from across the world paid their respects at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla. India was officially represented by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
A separate delegation of Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Mehbooba Mufti, also travelled to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremonies.
Under Islamic tradition, burials are typically conducted within 24 hours of death. However, Khamenei’s funeral was postponed because of security concerns during the conflict and rescheduled after last month’s ceasefire.