TEHRAN
Three sons of Iran’s late leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, joined top officials to pray over his coffin. However, the public noticed a major absence.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son who took over as the nation’s new supreme leader, did not appear at the massive ceremony.
State television broadcasted Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud Khamenei standing near the coffins in Tehran. Their father and four other relatives died on February 28 during airstrikes by America and Israel.
While the war paused under a recent ceasefire, rumors suggest Mojtaba was badly hurt in the attack that killed his family. This has left many citizens wondering about his health, as some mourners expressed deep disappointment that their new leader stayed hidden.
Meanwhile, millions of emotional citizens filled the capital to pay their respects. The city’s subway system recorded seven million trips as crowds rushed to the grand religious complex. Mourners wept openly and beat their chests in grief, while high-ranking politicians joined the emotional prayers. Masoud Khamenei was seen crying heavily, using a traditional scarf to wipe away his tears.
Government officials plan to hold a full week of events to honor the late leader. After Monday’s massive march in central Tehran, the bodies will travel to the holy city of Qom. Later this week, the remains will fly to sacred Shi’ite sites in Iraq before returning to Iran for a final burial in Mashhad. Authorities are currently organizing free transport and food to help millions attend these massive public processions.