Three of Khamenei’s Sons Join Mass Mourning in Tehran, but Successor Remains Absent

Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran continued state funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a carefully choreographed display of national unity, three of Khamenei’s sons; Mostafa, Masoud, and Meysam, stood alongside senior political, military, and religious leaders during prayers at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla prayer complex. Noticeably absent, however, was Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose continued absence has fueled widespread speculation.

The funeral marked one of the largest public gatherings in Iran in recent years, with crowds waving Iranian flags, carrying portraits of the late leader, and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. State media portrayed the ceremonies as a symbol of national resilience following the conflict that claimed Khamenei’s life earlier this year.

While the appearance of Mostafa, Masoud, and Meysam reassured supporters of the Islamic Republic’s leadership, the absence of Mojtaba Khamenei drew the greatest attention. Mojtaba, who succeeded his father as Supreme Leader earlier this year, has not appeared publicly since reportedly being injured in the same attack that killed his father. Iranian officials have not provided details about his health, although reports indicate security concerns were the primary reason for keeping him away from the highly public funeral ceremonies.

The funeral also brought together many of Iran’s most powerful figures, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, cabinet ministers, clerics, and foreign delegations from several allied countries. Their joint appearance was widely interpreted as an effort to demonstrate political stability despite the country’s recent turmoil.

Religious leaders led funeral prayers before Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin as mourners pledged loyalty to Iran’s leadership and called for retaliation against those they blame for his death. The ceremony featured emotional speeches, patriotic songs, and religious recitations, while organizers implemented extensive security measures across Tehran amid concerns over possible threats.

The funeral is part of a multi-day national mourning period that will conclude with Khamenei’s burial in the holy city of Mashhad after additional ceremonies in Iran and Iraq. Authorities expect millions of people to participate in various stages of the funeral procession, making it one of the largest state funerals in the country’s modern history.

Political analysts say the event serves not only as a farewell to Iran’s longtime leader but also as a test of the new leadership’s ability to project unity at a time of heightened regional tensions. Although Mojtaba Khamenei did not attend Sunday’s public ceremonies, Iranian officials insist the country’s leadership transition remains firmly under control and that government institutions continue to function normally.