Iran’s Memorials for Ayatollah Khamenei Mark 40 Days Since His Death
On Thursday, Iran’s government held memorial services nationwide to commemorate 40 days since the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. While large crowds turned out to honor him, it was striking that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, now the “Supreme Leader,” did not make a public appearance.
This gathering represented the first significant state-led event after both Iran and the United States declared a two-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, to halt the hostilities that erupted in late February. On February 28, President Donald Trump announced the start of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at dismantling Iran’s unlawful nuclear initiatives and reducing its missile and drone capabilities. It was also reported that Khamenei was killed during this operation.
A Pentagon initiative, in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has resulted in the removal of many Iranian officials, leading to confusion about the current leadership structure. It’s unclear who is in charge: the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) or President Massoud Pezeshkian. Given that Pezeshkian, like the IRGC, operates under the authority of the “Supreme Leader,” there’s no clarity on leadership, unless Mojtaba Khamenei’s political involvement is confirmed.
Earlier in March, the Iranian government announced that Mojtaba would take over after his father’s death, and several statements attributed to him have been circulated since then. However, he hasn’t shown himself publicly nor released any audio, leaving many questions unanswered. During his absence, President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have made appearances in Tehran, trying to project authority.
Reports indicated that Pezeshkian was present on Thursday, while Khamenei was absent, even though state media emphasized that the rally aimed to pledge loyalty to the “Supreme Leader.”
According to the Tasnim news agency, Iranian officials organized gatherings to mourn Khamenei, asserting that participants would gather until 8 PM local time. People were reportedly expressing their grief by holding pictures of him and chanting slogans in his honor. Footage showed large crowds across the nation, waving both Khamenei’s images and the Iranian flag.
In the Shiite tradition, the 40th day following a death is a significant time for remembrance, yet the Iranian government has not confirmed where Khamenei’s body is buried, which raises suspicions that they may be concealing his final resting place. Online, many Iranians are questioning the rationale behind such large gatherings without a grave to visit.
Some observers have pointed out the absurdity of commemorating Khamenei without a burial site. This sentiment was echoed as citizens criticized the regime for using a Christian church in Tehran for a memorial event, highlighting a disconnect between the government’s actions and its proclaimed values.
The IRGC issued a statement on Thursday, claiming Khamenei’s death had as much impact as his life did, praising Iran’s supposed “100 deadly blows” against the United States, although no specifics were provided. While many Iranian officials have reportedly lost their lives amid ongoing hostilities, the U.S. has not confirmed any losses on its side.
The new “Supreme Leader’s” status and whereabouts remain uncertain. Although state media released a photo of Mojtaba after his father’s passing and attributed a statement to him, he has not made a public appearance to date. This absence has fueled various rumors about his health and ability to lead.
Reports even emerged about Mojtaba losing consciousness at a hospital in Qom. Additionally, information from American and Israeli sources suggested he had a role in negotiating a ceasefire, although those details have not been officially substantiated.
