The latest
The absence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from the funeral ceremonies of his father, Ali Khamenei, has intensified speculation inside Iran. According to The New York Times, security officials rejected his request to attend the burial in Mashhad, fearing Israel could use the appearance to track or target him.
Details
• Ongoing absence: Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since his father’s death, communicating only through written statements, fueling speculation about his health and security.
• Security concerns: According to The New York Times, Mojtaba asked to lead prayers at his father’s burial ceremony in Mashhad, but Iranian security officials reportedly rejected the request over fears that Israel could identify his location or attempt an assassination.
• Internal divisions: The newspaper reported an intensifying struggle between a pragmatic conservative camp and hardliners over the country’s future direction, with senior Revolutionary Guard commanders gaining influence.
• Funeral messaging: Organizers encouraged mourners to chant in support of Mojtaba while anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans echoed throughout the ceremony, underscoring the leadership’s effort to project unity.
• Leadership test: The report said upcoming appointments to the judiciary, state broadcasting, the Basij, and the Supreme Leader’s office will offer clues about which faction Mojtaba ultimately favors.
Background
Since Ali Khamenei was killed in the strike that targeted him in late February, Mojtaba has remained out of public view. Funeral ceremonies have stretched over several days across Tehran and other cities under heavy security, while attention has shifted to how the new leadership will consolidate power.
What to watch
Attention now turns to the July 9 burial ceremony in Mashhad and whether Mojtaba Khamenei will make his first public appearance. His decisions on key appointments are also expected to provide the clearest indication yet of the emerging balance of power within Iran’s leadership.
