Khamenei Funeral Continues in Iran as Successor Mojtaba Remains Absent
Brief By Newsbrief / 4:31 PM on 05 Jul 2026
Funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued on Sunday, with three of his sons joining family members in prayers beside his coffin. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, widely viewed as a potential successor, was absent from the public ceremony. Iranian state television showed Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei praying behind the coffins at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where thousands gathered to pay their respects.
Iran has planned a week-long series of funeral events to honour Khamenei, aiming to demonstrate national unity and public support for the Islamic Republic. After lying in state for public viewing, Khamenei's coffin, along with those of several family members, was placed in a glass-covered enclosure for mourners. Reports suggest Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously injured during the February 28 attack that reportedly killed his father and other relatives, which may explain his absence. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also attended the ceremony. During the prayers, Masoud Khamenei was seen wiping away tears as large crowds gathered, with many mourners crying and beating their chests in tribute.
The funeral procession will continue over the coming days, with the body scheduled to be taken to the holy city of Qom before travelling to the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala for additional religious ceremonies. The remains will then return to Iran for a final procession in Mashhad, where Khamenei will be buried near a revered Shia shrine. Iranian authorities expect millions of people to participate in the remaining events and have arranged transport, food and accommodation for mourners. Meanwhile, reports indicate that planned diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States have been temporarily paused until the funeral ceremonies conclude.