Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not appear at the funeral of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Sunday. His absence drew attention as senior government leaders and millions of mourners gathered in Tehran for one of the country’s largest state funerals.
The funeral marked another major event following the death of Ali Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until he was killed during the US and Israeli military strikes that began on February 28.
Senior Iranian Officials Attend Funeral
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the ceremony alongside Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and senior military officials.
Ali Khamenei’s other three sons, Masoud, Mostafa, and Meysam, stood beside their father’s coffin during the funeral prayers. However, Mojtaba Khamenei was not seen throughout the public ceremony.
His absence has fueled speculation because he has not appeared publicly since becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader in March.
Reports Suggest Mojtaba Khamenei Was Injured
Several international media reports have suggested Mojtaba Khamenei suffered injuries during the same airstrike that killed his father.
Although Iranian officials have confirmed he was injured, they have not provided detailed medical information. Authorities have also not released any recent public photographs or videos of him.
No official explanation was given for his absence from Sunday’s ceremony.
Millions Expected at State Funeral
Iran has declared a week of national funeral events.
Authorities estimate between 12 and 20 million people may participate across Iran and Iraq. More than 10 million mourners are expected in Tehran alone.
The ceremonies began at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where Ali Khamenei’s body lay in state.
Funeral prayers were led by prominent Shia cleric Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani.
Large crowds filled the complex despite temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius. Medical teams remained on standby while volunteers distributed water and cooling mist throughout the venue.
Coffins of Family Members Displayed Together
Ali Khamenei’s coffin was displayed beside those of four family members who were also killed in the February airstrikes.
Among them was his young granddaughter, whose small coffin became one of the most emotional scenes during the ceremony.
Thousands of mourners prayed, wept, and carried Iranian flags while chanting religious and political slogans.
Funeral Procession to Continue Across Iran and Iraq
The funeral procession will continue through central Tehran before moving to the holy city of Qom.
Afterward, ceremonies will take place in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.
The final burial is scheduled in Mashhad, Ali Khamenei’s birthplace.
Iranian authorities have arranged transportation, accommodation, and food for visitors attending the remaining ceremonies.
Political Tensions Continue
The funeral comes during a fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Although active fighting has paused, tensions remain high.
During the funeral, some participants chanted slogans against the United States and Israel. Others carried banners calling for revenge over Ali Khamenei’s death.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said peace negotiations had paused during the funeral events. He also questioned whether public displays of grief reflected genuine public opinion.
Iranian mourners rejected those remarks and insisted their participation reflected sincere respect for the late leader.
Heavy Security Across Tehran
Security remained extremely tight throughout the capital.
Authorities warned of possible overcrowding because of the massive turnout.
Medical centers treated thousands of visitors for heat-related issues. However, officials reported no deaths during Sunday’s events.
The coming days are expected to bring even larger crowds as funeral processions continue across multiple cities.
FAQs
1. Why was Mojtaba Khamenei absent from his father’s funeral?
Iranian officials did not provide an official reason. Reports suggest he is recovering from injuries suffered during the February airstrike.
2. Who attended Ali Khamenei’s funeral?
President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, senior military officials, and Ali Khamenei’s three other sons attended.
3. Where will Ali Khamenei be buried?
He will be buried in Mashhad after funeral ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, Najaf, and Karbala.
4. How many people are expected to attend the funeral?
Iranian authorities estimate between 12 and 20 million people will attend ceremonies across Iran and Iraq.
5. Why is the funeral politically significant?
The funeral takes place during a regional ceasefire. It also highlights ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. In addition, it highlights the transition to Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
