The article analyses the significance of Iran inviting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti to attend the final rites of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It argues that, given the high sensitivity around symbolism in Kashmir’s politics, Iran’s choice to pick Mufti rather than other prominent Kashmir figures indicates an endorsement of her political outlook.
Mufti’s participation makes her the first Sunni leader from Kashmir to attend such a high-profile event, potentially increasing her political stature. The article also notes that members of Kashmir's 'first political family'—the Abdullahs—were not invited, despite previous visits to the Iranian embassy.
During the ongoing West Asian conflict, Mufti distinguished herself by appealing for public donations for Iran and praising its stance against Israel. Her opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel ahead of the conflict is highlighted as conveying a negative message.
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