Mojtaba Khamenei's conspicuous absence from the funeral proceedings for his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has sparked intense speculation amidst the week-long public display of mourning in Tehran. While three of his brothers – Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud Khamenei – participated in prayers beside the coffins of their father and four other family members, Mojtaba was notably absent from the ceremony.
The massive crowds gathering at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran are a testament to the spiritual and political significance of the late leader. State television broadcast images of the three brothers praying in the vast courtyard, underscoring the gravity of the occasion. The funeral events will see the remains transported to various Shia religious sites, including those in neighbouring Iraq.
Against this backdrop of national mourning, questions are being raised about Mojtaba Khamenei's absence. Reports suggest he may have sustained serious injuries during an alleged Israeli-US attack on 28th February, which could explain his conspicuous absence from public view. Sources close to him indicate that the attack left him with a disfigured face and significant injuries to one or both legs.
The fragile ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington has been temporarily suspended due to the funeral events, according to US President Donald Trump. This development is likely to have significant diplomatic implications for Iran's international relations and economic prospects. Iranian authorities are banking on substantial economic benefits from this agreement, which could potentially ease pressure on the UK's trade with Iran.
The scale of public participation in the funeral events has been unprecedented, with millions of Iranians thronging Tehran's city centre to pay their respects. The Iranian metro network recorded over 7 million trips between Saturday evening and Sunday morning as people travelled to the city centre. Further large processions are planned for central Tehran on Monday, followed by ceremonies in other cities across the country.
Source: Reuters