Millions Attend Funeral of Khamenei Amid Absence of New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

International Desk | PNN

Millions of people attended the funeral and state mourning ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, one absence drew widespread attention—the newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

State television showed Khamenei’s three sons—Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud—praying beside his coffin, but Mojtaba Khamenei was not seen at the ceremony.

The mourning event was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Musalla in Tehran, where coffins of Khamenei and four other family members were placed. Senior government officials, military personnel, religious scholars, and the public paid their final respects.

Khamenei and several members of his family were killed on February 28 following a joint airstrike by the United States and Israel. After weeks of conflict, a ceasefire was reached, though the war caused massive casualties and infrastructure destruction in the region.

State media reported that the number of attendees exceeded expectations, extending the ceremony by nearly one hour. Many participants carried Iranian flags and banners with slogans against the United States and Israel.

The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei has sparked political discussions. Some international reports claim he was injured in the February attack, suffering severe facial and leg injuries, though Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed this.

Attendees expressed disappointment that they were unable to see the new Supreme Leader in person.

Iran has declared a week-long period of national mourning. After Tehran, the body of Khamenei will be taken to Qom, followed by religious ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, before final burial in Mashhad.

Authorities have made arrangements for transport, accommodation, and security as millions are expected to participate in the mourning processions. International observers are closely monitoring Iran’s post-war political and security situation.