Iran on Sunday held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, with state television showing his sons Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud standing behind the coffin at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large religious complex in the capital.

The most conspicuous absence was Mojtaba Khamenei, the son who has succeeded him as Iran’s supreme leader. He did not appear in public during the ceremony.

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Silence where many expected an appearance

The absence drew immediate attention because Mojtaba Khamenei has not been publicly seen or heard since his appointment in March.

Iranian officials had repeatedly declined to confirm whether he would attend any part of the funeral. The mourning events are being held across multiple cities over several days, with the final burial scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.

Security, secrecy and whispered explanations

Reports link Mojtaba’s absence to security concerns after the February 28 airstrike that killed Ali Khamenei and other family members.

People close to Mojtaba’s circle told Reuters that he suffered significant injuries, including damage to one or both legs and facial disfigurement.

Security advisers had warned Mojtaba against public appearances because of fears of an Israeli attempt to track or target him.

During the ceremony, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi also attended the prayers.

Officials keep their cards close

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, head of the funeral planning committee, said, “The issue of the supreme leader attending is not within my authority or information.”

He added that any information about Mojtaba’s appearance would come from his office. Supporter Ehsan Hosseini said, “His safety should definitely be the priority. Whatever decision his office makes about his attendance will be the right one.”

The funeral ceremonies are expected to continue through the week, with processions planned in Tehran, Qom, Iraq, and Mashhad before the burial takes place on July 9.

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FAQs

Q1: Why was Mojtaba Khamenei absent from Ali Khamenei’s funeral?

Ans: According to reports, Iranian officials have not given an official explanation for Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from the funeral.

Q2: Who attended Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran?

Ans: State television showed Ali Khamenei’s sons Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud, along with senior Iranian leaders, attending the funeral prayers in Tehran.