A well-known Iranian strategist has pointed out that the prolonged delay in burying Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reflects a deepening crisis within the Islamic Republic. Dr. Ramesh Sepelad made these comments amidst stalled peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, as rising domestic tensions cast doubt on the regime’s stability.
The mourning period for Khamenei began on April 9, but more than 40 days later, authorities still haven’t provided details about his burial. A state funeral, initially planned for early March 2026, was previously postponed.
“After 44 days, the regime lacks the confidence to hold a public burial for Mr. Mojtaba’s late father,” Sepelad remarked, referencing Khamenei’s son. He indicated that this reflects a pervasive fear within the regime, noting that religious customs typically mandate burial within 24 hours.
Khamenei was killed in an attack targeting regime installations on February 28, with his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeding him. Mojtaba suffered significant injuries from the same attack and is currently in recovery.
Despite his injuries, sources revealed that he remains mentally engaged and takes part in decision-making through conference calls regarding key issues, including military actions and U.S. negotiations. Consulting on a range of sensitive matters from behind the scenes, Mojtaba, while less ideologically vocal in public, seems focused on ensuring the survival of the regime.
Recent diplomatic attempts to ease tensions with the U.S. during a two-week ceasefire fell short, and Iran has since stated there are no plans for further talks. The absence of a statement from the new supreme leader highlights the uncertainty surrounding the regime’s future actions.
Observers have begun to define Mojtaba’s role as less that of a traditional supreme leader and more akin to a security coordinator, working within a fragmented system where various factions operate independently rather than under a unified command.
“It’s more of a mafia setup,” characterized by a lack of trust but a mutual interest in preserving power, according to analysts. As divisions manifest and hardline figures take control, the implications for both foreign negotiations and internal repression raise concerns. Sepelad pointed out that the regime, more worried about domestic unrest, might ramp up arrests and persecution while outwardly engaging in talks.
