Mourners Gather for Ali Khamenei's Funeral as Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Absent

On July 5, 2026, thousands attended the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. While three of his sons, Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud Khamenei, were present, his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent due to security concerns amid ongoing threats.

Mojtaba Khamenei's Absence Raises Concerns

The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei during the mourning ceremonies has raised eyebrows. Analysts suggest that his lack of public visibility since his appointment in March is a precautionary measure against perceived threats, particularly from Israel. Reports indicate that Mojtaba has not been seen or heard from publicly for months, further fueling speculation regarding his safety.

According to Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi, “Thousands and thousands of people are streaming through to pay their respects … they are carrying Iranian flags and also red flags symbolising a call for revenge.” Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” echoed among mourners, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the funeral.

Massive Turnout and Public Mourning

The funeral attracted a massive turnout, with Iranian metro authorities reporting approximately seven million passenger journeys over the weekend. The government has organized a week-long series of processions to honor Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike during the US-Israel war on Iran.

Public displays of grief were evident as mourners held portraits of Khamenei and other family members who lost their lives in the attack. Gholamreza Sabooni, a 29-year-old grocery store worker, expressed his anger, stating, “They killed our imam, we should kill their leader, [US President Donald] Trump.”

Future of Iran's Leadership

As the country mourns, the political landscape remains uncertain. Experts like Mostafa Khoshcheshm from the University of Applied Science and Technology emphasize that the message from attendees is clear: “Iranians are not going to be fooled by talks or some kind of [memorandum of understanding]. They are awake.”

The multicity state funeral will continue for six days, culminating in Khamenei's burial on July 9 in Mashhad, Iran. This extensive mourning period reflects the deep-seated loyalty to the Islamic Republic and the complexities of Iran's political dynamics during this transitional phase.