MWE Correspondent
Thousands of mourners have gathered in Tehran for the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a highly charged public farewell marked by grief, political symbolism and heightened regional tensions.
The coffin of Khamenei was carried through the capital during a large-scale funeral procession on Sunday, as religious chants echoed across the ceremony and mourners paid their final respects. State media showed large crowds participating in the rituals, with many visibly emotional as the procession passed.
The funeral prayers were led by senior religious authorities, while prominent Iranian officials stood among the mourners, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among them Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior officials also attended the ceremony, underscoring the political significance of the occasion.
Several of Khamenei’s children, including Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud, were present at the funeral. However, his reported successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not appear publicly, fuelling widespread speculation about his whereabouts and health.
Authorities have not provided clear confirmation on his status, while Iranian state-linked commentary has suggested that security considerations may be influencing public visibility during the mourning period.
Unverified reports circulating in regional media have raised questions about whether Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during earlier conflict-related incidents, though no official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities.
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The absence of public appearances by the designated successor has added uncertainty to an already tense political moment, as Iran navigates a sensitive transition period following the death of its long-serving leader.
During the funeral, emotions ran high, with some mourners calling for retaliation against the United States and Israel, reflecting deep anger among sections of the crowd. Several attendees voiced demands for “revenge,” while others used the occasion to deliver political statements condemning foreign adversaries.
The ceremony took place amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict between Iran and Israel, which has already reshaped security dynamics across the Middle East.
At the same time, international attention has turned toward Washington, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days for discussions on regional security and the aftermath of the Iran-Israel conflict.
Iranian officials have insisted that national leadership structures remain intact and operational despite the transition, though questions persist internationally about succession, internal stability and the future direction of Iran’s regional policy.
The funeral marks one of the largest public gatherings in Tehran in recent years, reflecting both the influence of Khamenei’s legacy and the heightened political sensitivity surrounding his death.
