Iran Denies Security Incident at Khamenei Funeral, Confirms Shooting 15 km Away

Iranian news agency Fars, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, denied reports of a security incident near the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad during the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Fars labeled the reports as "rumors spread by anti-revolutionary elements" and stated that no unusual events occurred near the shrine or along the funeral procession route.

However, Fars confirmed that a shooting took place in the Saraprazan neighborhood, about 15 kilometers west of the main funeral site. The official report acknowledged two fatalities in the shooting, but the victims' identities and the circumstances remain under investigation by security forces. The agency did not clarify whether the incident was terrorism, criminal violence, or another cause.

Initial reports from Saberin News, also linked to the Revolutionary Guards, claimed that two Basij members were killed after being fired upon by two armed men in military uniforms. Saberin described the event as a "terrorist act," stating the suspects fled and security forces launched extensive searches to locate them. Saberin also reported gunfire near the Imam Reza shrine itself, a claim Fars denied.

Later, the deputy governor of Khorasan province for security confirmed to the official IRNA news agency that the shooting in Saraprazan resulted in two deaths but declined to provide further details, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing.

This incident occurs amid heightened security tensions in Iran following escalations with the United States and preparations for the funeral of the late Supreme Leader. The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from the funeral ceremonies due to assassination fears. Iranian security forces remain on high alert during the mass funeral events to prevent any attacks on regime leaders or attendees.