Will Mojtaba Khamenei Make His First Public Appearance At His Father's Funeral?
Will Mojtaba Khamenei Make His First Public Appearance At His Father's Funeral? Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 07:56 IST Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was
Will Mojtaba Khamenei Make His First Public Appearance At His Father's Funeral? Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 07:56 IST Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was injured in the same February 28 airstrike that killed his father. Rapid Read For months, Mojtaba Khamenei’s authority rested on an assumption that he had inherited not only his father’s office, but also his father’s ability to arbitrate among competing factions. (AFP) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral: More than four months after his death in joint US-Israeli strikes, Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Reza in the holy city of Mashhad on July 9. Ceremonies will begin in Tehran on July 4 before moving to Qom, Iraq’s holy sites, and finally Mashhad, where Ali Khamenei will be buried on July 9. The 86-year-old Iranian leader – one of the longest-serving heads of state in West Asia – was killed on February 28 in joint US-Israeli strikes on the opening day of the war between Tehran and the two allies.
But the biggest question surrounding the funeral is not just about the farewell to Iran’s longtime leader. It is whether his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, will appear in public for the first time since taking over as Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was injured in the same February 28 airstrike that killed his father. Iranian state media and officials have confirmed that he suffered severe injuries, including severe facial disfigurement and leg wounds. Since then, he has not been seen in public, on television, or even in a recorded video or audio message. Instead, every statement attributed to him has been read by state television anchors or published through official media. In these messages, Mojtaba has promised to continue Iran’s policies, warned the US and Israel against further attacks, and called for national unity during the conflict. His latest statement, released on Sunday to mark Iran’s Judiciary Week, urged the country’s judiciary to pursue those responsible for crimes committed during the recent wars.
He also referred to the killing of his father and called for legal action against those responsible. Despite repeated assurances from officials that he remains mentally fit and is involved in key decisions, his continued absence has fuelled speculation both inside and outside Iran. Some supporters say the secrecy is necessary for security reasons, while others believe his injuries have kept him away from public view. The upcoming funeral could become a defining moment for the new Supreme Leader. Major state ceremonies in Iran have traditionally been used to project unity and strength. Ali Khamenei regularly attended commemorations for his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini, and many are now watching to see whether Mojtaba follows that tradition. A public appearance would help reassure supporters about his health, reinforce his authority, and signal continuity after months of uncertainty. If he stays away again, questions about his condition and Iran’s leadership are likely to continue. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news.
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