IRAN has launched a week-long series of state funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as questions persisted over the absence of his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, from public events following the attack that killed his father.
During funeral prayers held on Sunday at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, state television broadcast images of three of Khamenei's sons—Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud—standing beside their father's coffin and those of four other family members. Mojtaba Khamenei, who has succeeded his father as Supreme Leader, did not appear.
Reuters reported on Sunday that the funeral marks the beginning of an extensive programme of commemorative events organised by the Islamic Republic, with ceremonies scheduled to continue through Thursday across Iran and neighbouring Iraq.
After lying in state indoors for senior Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries, the coffins were displayed publicly beneath protective glass. Alongside Ayatollah Khamenei were the remains of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and 14-month-old granddaughter, all reportedly killed in the same attack.
Reuters reported that there has been no public appearance or official image of Mojtaba Khamenei since the 28 February strikes carried out by Israel and the United States at the outset of the conflict. According to people familiar with his inner circle, he sustained serious injuries, including facial disfigurement and significant damage to one or both legs, although Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed his condition.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf joined thousands of mourners at the prayers, while television footage showed Masoud Khamenei visibly emotional, wiping away tears with a keffiyeh as funeral prayers were recited.
Large crowds gathered throughout the weekend at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, with many mourners weeping and performing traditional chest-beating rituals. Iran's metro network reported around seven million passenger journeys between Saturday evening and Sunday morning as people travelled to the capital to attend the ceremonies.
Authorities have planned a nationwide and regional funeral procession spanning several of Shi'ite Islam's holiest cities. Following a major procession through central Tehran on Monday, the remains will be taken to Qom on Tuesday before being flown to the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Kerbala on Wednesday.
The body will then return to Iran for a final procession in Mashhad on Thursday before burial near the shrine of one of Shi'ite Islam's revered medieval Imams.
Iranian authorities have announced extensive logistical support for mourners, including transportation, food and accommodation, as they seek to mobilise millions of participants during the week-long ceremonies.
The funeral comes after a ceasefire ended four months of conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States under an agreement brokered with Washington. Iranian leaders have described the ceasefire as a strategic victory that they say will ultimately deliver significant economic benefits to the country.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump told Axios that planned peace talks have been postponed for one week to allow the funeral events to take place. - July 5, 2026
