Taliban Prevents Memorial for Iran's Khamenei in Herat

The Taliban administration prevented the holding of a memorial ceremony for Ali Khamenei, leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Herat.

Taliban forces also blocked media coverage of a commemoration event for Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran. Organizers said Taliban agents did not allow journalists to enter the Imam Zaman Grand Mosque in western Kabul to film or report on the program attended by Khamenei's supporters.

Hosseini Mazari, a prominent figure close to Iran, protested the Taliban's decision in a statement on Wednesday. He warned that such actions could lead to "deep dissatisfaction among revolutionary Muslims inside and outside the country." Mazari noted that similar gatherings had been held in countries including India and Pakistan, expressing regret that the Taliban blocked the event.

Mazari stated that the Shia Ulema Council, offices of religious authorities, and the oversight council for seminaries and religious schools in Kabul organized a meeting regarding Khamenei's killing. However, the Taliban prevented media coverage, and agents inside the meeting blocked photography and filming.

The Taliban has condoled Khamenei's death, with the deputy administrative head of the prime minister writing a message of condolence in the book at the Iranian embassy in Kabul. The official Taliban statement on the U.S. attacks was cautious, issued after about two days and omitting direct mention of Khamenei's killing.

The Taliban Foreign Ministry expressed concern over U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Iran's attacks on Arab countries, stating in cautious terms: "Based on accepted principles, violation of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national sanctuaries of countries, and killing of innocent civilians are condemnable actions."