Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from the funeral ceremonies of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting renewed speculation about his condition and whereabouts.
The funeral, attended by large crowds in Tehran, featured several senior Iranian officials and members of the Khamenei family. However, the absence of Mojtaba, who succeeded his father as Supreme Leader following his death, drew significant attention.
Three Brothers Attend Funeral Prayers
State television showed Ali Khamenei’s sons Mostafa Khamenei, Meysam Khamenei, and Masoud Khamenei standing beside the coffins during funeral prayers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla.
Masoud Khamenei was seen wiping away tears with a keffiyeh as an imam led prayers for the late leader and four members of his family.
The coffins of Ali Khamenei, his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter were placed together during the ceremony.
Mojtaba’s Absence Fuels Speculation
Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since the attack that killed his father, leading to widespread speculation about his health.
According to earlier Reuters reporting citing unnamed sources close to his inner circle, Mojtaba reportedly suffered facial injuries and significant wounds to one or both legs during the strike. Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed these reports.
No live images or official public appearance of Mojtaba have been released since he assumed the country’s highest leadership position.
Funeral Processions Continue Across Iran and Iraq
Iranian authorities have planned several days of funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei.
After the Tehran events, the funeral procession is scheduled to continue in Qom, followed by visits to the Shi’ite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before returning to Mashhad for the final burial near the shrine of one of Shi’ite Islam’s revered Imams.
Officials expect millions of mourners to participate in the nationwide ceremonies and have arranged transportation, food and accommodation for attendees.
Senior Leaders Attend Ceremony
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf joined mourners during the funeral prayers.
The ceremony comes as Iran observes a ceasefire following months of conflict, while diplomatic discussions involving the United States remain temporarily paused during the funeral period.
Although Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence has generated widespread attention, Iranian officials have not issued any formal statement explaining why the country’s new Supreme Leader did not attend the public ceremony.
