Three sons of Iran’s slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral, not his successor

Iran held a large public funeral in Tehran on Sunday for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and four members of his family who were killed during the recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

State television showed three of Khamenei’s sons, Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud, standing in prayer behind the coffins during the ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, one of Tehran’s largest religious complexes. However, there was no public appearance by his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.

According to Iranian state media, Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and 14-month-old granddaughter were also among those killed in the airstrike that struck the family’s residence when the conflict began on February 28.

Thousands of mourners, including military personnel, religious students and civilians, gathered to pay their respects. Many waved Iranian flags and banners calling for revenge against the United States and Israel, while others joined collective prayers led by senior clerics.

The farewell ceremony, which was scheduled to conclude earlier, was extended by approximately one hour due to the large number of mourners attending.

The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei has continued to attract attention. Reports indicate he suffered serious injuries during the strike that killed his father, including significant leg injuries and facial wounds, although Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed his condition.

One mourner interviewed by Iranian media said she had hoped to see the country’s new supreme leader during the funeral ceremonies but was disappointed that he did not appear.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf attended the prayers alongside senior government and military officials. Television footage showed Masoud Khamenei visibly emotional during the service.

The funeral is part of a week-long series of ceremonies planned across Iran and neighbouring Iraq. Following Monday’s procession in Tehran, Khamenei’s remains will be taken to the holy city of Qom before travelling to the Shiite shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. The body will then return to Iran for a final procession in Mashhad, where he will be buried near the shrine of Imam Reza.

Iranian authorities say they expect millions of people to participate in the nationwide funeral events and have arranged transportation, food and accommodation for mourners.

The ceremonies take place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that ended months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. Although active fighting has paused, negotiations on a permanent settlement remain ongoing.