On Sunday, the three sons of the deceased Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gathered to pray beside his coffin, although Mojtaba, who has taken over as Iran’s supreme leader, was notably absent.
State television broadcast footage of Mostafa, Maysam, and Massoud Khamenei praying around the coffin, located in the expansive courtyard of Imam Khomeini Grand Mosala in Tehran.
In a show of allegiance to the theocratic regime, the Islamic Republic organized a grand week-long funeral procession, moving Khamenei’s remains to Shiite religious sites in nearby Iraq.
Khamenei’s coffin was displayed publicly on Saturday, resting under glass alongside the coffins of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and a 14-month-old granddaughter. This display followed a period when it was kept indoors for visits by senior Iranian leaders and foreign representatives.
No images or sightings of Mojtaba have emerged, despite reports that he suffered injuries during a February 28 attack where Israeli and U.S. bombings resulted in the deaths of his father and other family members.
Reports suggest that Mojtaba’s face was severely injured, and he sustained significant harm to one or both legs, according to individuals close to his aides.
In a significant development, Iranian officials announced a cease-fire in their four-month conflict, citing a deal with the U.S. government that they believe will lead to substantial economic progress, which they characterize as a victory over the superpower.
President Trump mentioned to Axios News that peace negotiations had been paused for a week due to the events surrounding the funeral.
On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf were seen praying behind Khamenei’s coffin.
Massoud Khamenei was visibly emotional, shedding tears that he wiped away with a keffiyeh, a scarf that holds revolutionary symbolism, especially in solidarity with Palestinians, during the imam’s recitation of funeral prayers.
Throughout the night, a flood of mourners gathered at Mosala, many in tears or engaging in traditional acts of mourning.
Iran’s metro reported an impressive 7 million rides recorded from Saturday evening into Sunday morning as the public flocked to the venue.
After a significant procession in central Tehran on Monday, Khamenei’s body will be transported to a seminary in Qom, the heart of Iran’s Shiite authority, for a ceremony on Tuesday.
The remains will then be flown to Iraq, with ceremonies planned in the holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala on Wednesday.
Khamenei will return to Iran on Thursday for another procession in Mashhad, culminating in his burial near the tomb of an ancient Shiite imam.
In the coming days, officials expect to mobilize millions for these grand processions, offering transportation, food, and lodging.
