Iran is observing a period of national mourning as millions gather to pay their final respects to former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Across the country, mourners have taken to the streets, many seen in tears while chanting slogans against the United States and Israel.
However, amid the massive funeral ceremonies, one question continues to dominate public discussion: Where is Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei?
His absence from his father’s funeral has sparked widespread speculation. Social media has been flooded with questions about his health, while some unverified claims have even suggested that he was killed months ago. However, none of these claims have been officially confirmed.
Funeral begins four months after Khamenei’s death
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed four months ago in a joint US-Israeli attack, an event that significantly escalated tensions across the Middle East.
A six-day state funeral has now begun in Tehran, with the final burial scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown.
The Iranian government has presented the funeral as a symbol of national unity and resistance against external pressure. Senior government officials, military commanders and several foreign delegations have attended the ceremonies.
Why has Mojtaba Khamenei not appeared in public?
Although Iranian authorities have released the complete funeral schedule, there has been no mention of Mojtaba Khamenei’s participation.
The government has also not clarified whether his movements are being kept confidential for security reasons.
According to media reports, Mojtaba, along with his mother and wife, was injured in the same attack that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Since the conflict began, he is believed to have remained at a secure location. Reports suggest he has communicated with supporters only through written messages and has neither delivered a public speech nor appeared in any video.
Iran expects 15 million mourners
Iran’s Health Ministry has claimed that around 15 million people could participate in the funeral and tribute ceremonies over the next two to three days. However, officials have not explained how this estimate was calculated.
The bodies of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family have been placed at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where temporary hospitals have been set up and medical teams remain on high alert.
Funeral-related events are also being held in Qom and Mashhad.
According to Tehran municipal authorities, more than 2.2 million passengers used the capital’s metro service between Saturday morning and afternoon, highlighting the scale of the crowds.
Security agencies on high alert
During the funeral, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any attempt to target the country during the ceremonies would receive a strong response.
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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the United States was giving Iran ‘one week’ during the funeral period. However, he did not explain what exactly he meant by the statement.
Tensions continue in Strait of Hormuz
Tensions also remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
According to ship-tracking data, at least eight vessels turned back after approaching the coast of Oman on Saturday, reflecting ongoing security concerns and uncertainty in the region.
As millions bid farewell to Iran’s former Supreme Leader, the continued absence of Mojtaba Khamenei has raised fresh questions about the country’s leadership, security situation and political future.
First published on: Jul 05, 2026 07:43 AM IST
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