Serbia sends minister to Khamenei funeral while seeking better U.S. ties

Serbia sent a government minister to Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran, even as it tries to improve relations with the United States.

Most European governments stayed away from the ceremony. Serbia was represented by Boris Bratina, its minister for information and telecommunications.

Bratina said he attended as a government envoy after receiving an order “from the top” the day before the trip.

He said Serbia was not taking Iran’s side in its conflict with the United States and Israel, but was showing respect to a country it considers friendly.

Iran does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, an issue that remains central to Serbian foreign policy.

The visit comes as Serbia continues to keep distance from European Union policy on Iran and Russia.

Analyst Vladimir Medjak said the decision was unwise at a time when Belgrade wants a strategic dialogue with Washington.

Bratina is not one of Serbia’s senior ministers. He is known domestically for anti-EU rhetoric and past links to far-right groups.