TEHRAN: Three sons of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare public appearance on the second day of state funeral ceremonies in Tehran, while his successor, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent amid heightened security concerns.
State television broadcast images of Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei praying behind the coffins of their father and several family members at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
Why Was Mojtaba Khamenei Absent?
Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed Iran’s top leadership following his father’s death, did not attend the public mourning ceremonies. Iranian officials have not provided an official explanation for his absence, although reports indicate security concerns and threats to his life have kept him away from public appearances since his appointment in March.
How Is Iran Conducting the Funeral?
Iran has launched a six-day state funeral for the late supreme leader, with ceremonies taking place across Tehran and other major religious centers before his burial in Mashhad on July 9.
Senior Iranian leaders attending the ceremony included President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani, alongside senior military officials and foreign dignitaries.
Authorities said millions of mourners are expected to participate in processions across Iran, with additional ceremonies planned in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.
What Was the Public Mood?
Large crowds carrying Iranian and red flags gathered at the funeral, with many chanting slogans against the United States and Israel while demanding retaliation for the killing of the former supreme leader.
Iranian authorities said public transport operated at exceptionally high capacity to accommodate mourners travelling to the ceremonies, as the government organized nationwide commemorations aimed at demonstrating political unity during the leadership transition.
The funeral comes amid continued regional tensions following the conflict that claimed the lives of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family.