Why Mojtaba Khamenei Did Not Attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Funeral
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from the funeral of his father, Ali Khamenei, has fuelled speculation over his condition. While three of Ali Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony in Tehran, Mojtaba did not appear publicly. Reports suggest he was injured in the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, though Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed his condition.
Questions over the absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, the successor to Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intensified after he did not appear at his father's state funeral in Tehran. While three of Ali Khamenei’s sons attended the funeral prayers, Mojtaba remained absent, fuelling speculation about his condition following the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father and several family members.
The week-long funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, continued in Tehran on Sunday. State television showed his sons Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei offering prayers beside the coffins of their father and four other family members at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla.
Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Out of Public View
Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearance since the attack that killed his father.
According to Reuters, citing unnamed people close to his inner circle, Mojtaba suffered facial injuries and significant injuries to one or both legs during the strikes. No official images or statements confirming his condition have been released by Iranian authorities.
His absence from the funeral has led to growing speculation, particularly as he is expected to succeed his father as Iran's Supreme Leader.
Three Brothers Attend Funeral Prayers
State television showed Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei participating in funeral prayers at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. Masoud Khamenei was seen crying and wiping away tears with a keffiyeh as funeral prayers were recited.
The coffins of Ali Khamenei, his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and 14-month-old granddaughter were displayed during the ceremony attended by senior Iranian leaders and thousands of mourners.
Funeral Processions Continue Across Iran and Iraq
Iran has organised a week-long series of funeral processions and religious ceremonies for Ali Khamenei.
After events in Tehran, the funeral procession is scheduled to continue in Qom before moving to the Shi'ite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. The body will then return to Mashhad, where Ali Khamenei is expected to be buried. Authorities have arranged transportation, food and accommodation as they expect millions to participate in the ceremonies.
The funeral comes after a ceasefire halted months of fighting between Iran and Israel under an agreement involving the United States. US President Donald Trump told Axios that negotiations with Iran had been paused for a week to allow the funeral ceremonies to take place. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also attended the funeral prayers in Tehran.
Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, along with several members of his family, marking a major turning point in Iran's political leadership. Mojtaba Khamenei is widely regarded as his successor, but his continued absence from public view has prompted questions about his health and the transition of leadership.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2026 01:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).