Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence signals shifting role for Iran leader

Iran is holding mass funeral processions for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 along with family members during a war with the US and Israel. During the ceremonies in Tehran, a poet called for the killing of Donald Trump. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, appointed as the new supreme leader, has not appeared publicly for three months. In the US, a Republican congressman criticized the administration's plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians, a decision that allows the termination of protections for over 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. Separately, Donald Trump intervened to overturn a red-card suspension for a USMNT player at the World Cup, a move that surprised and angered the Belgian team.

Huge crowds gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of the former supreme leader, waving Iranian flags and red banners symbolizing vengeance. Mourners displayed placards calling for the death of US President Donald Trump, who, along with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is accused of ordering a joint attack on Iran four months prior that initiated a war. Some mourners threw stones at a billboard featuring Trump's face. Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and current president Masoud Pezeshkian were present at the procession. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Khamenei was eliminated by Israel because he threatened its existence and warned that any future Iranian leader attempting to destroy Israel would also be killed.

Millions are expected to participate in a funeral procession in Tehran today for Iran's slain supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. This follows a two-day public farewell ceremony that has concluded. The funeral procession is taking place as Israeli forces continue air strikes on Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. These strikes occurred despite a US-brokered agreement signed last month with Lebanon to end hostilities. The article provides live updates on these events.

The body of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has arrived in the holy city of Qom following his death in a US-Israeli strike. Millions of Iranians have participated in funeral processions over the past three days, honoring his leadership. State television broadcast images of Khamenei's body being transported by helicopter to Qom. Large crowds gathered in Tehran for a procession that included the bodies of Khamenei and four family members. Mourners expressed their appreciation for his leadership and renewed their allegiance. Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen publicly since before his father's death.

A funeral procession for Iran's late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, commenced in Tehran on Monday, according to state television. Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, lay in state for two days before his body began its journey through the capital, accompanied by large crowds of mourners. Authorities anticipated attendance that could rival that for his predecessor nearly forty years ago. The ceremonies are seen as an opportunity for Iran to project resilience following conflict with the United States and Israel. Attention is also focused on Khamenei's successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since assuming power.

Iran began a funeral procession in Tehran on Monday, July 6, 2026, for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on February 28. His flag-draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in the same strike, was carried on a truck through the capital en route to Mehrabad International Airport. The procession is part of a mourning period that began Saturday and will conclude Thursday with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad. Large crowds are expected to attend, demonstrating popular support for the government. Amidst the mourning, some attendees have called for revenge against U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. negotiations with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear program appear to be paused until after the burial.

Iran has reappointed Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei as chief justice for another five-year term, a decision confirmed by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. This reappointment occurs during the funeral of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an air strike. Mohseni-Ejei has emphasized the need for revenge for Khamenei's death and prosecution of foreign "aggressors." He has also pledged to fight corruption and pursue crimes by "arrogant powers." Under his leadership, Iran's judiciary has intensified prosecutions for national security offenses and carried out executions of dissidents. The chief justice holds significant constitutional powers over the judiciary and indirectly influences the electoral and legislative processes.

Thousands gathered in Tehran for the second day of funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an air strike on February 28. Three of Khamenei's sons, Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud, attended the public mourning, but his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent, reportedly due to safety concerns. Mourners chanted calls for revenge against the US and Israel. The government has organized a week-long series of processions across Iran and into Iraq. The funeral events aim to convey a message of continuity and retribution amidst heightened regional tensions.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former Iranian leader, was honored with mass funeral processions in Tehran following his death in attacks attributed to Israel and the US. While three of his sons, Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud, participated in prayers beside his coffin and those of four other family members, Mojtaba, who succeeded him as supreme leader, was absent. State TV showed the three sons praying behind the coffins at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla. The week-long funeral events include processions in Iran and planned ceremonies in Shia religious sites in Iraq. Reports suggest Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured in the attack that killed his father.

The funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on February 28, 2026, are being used by the Islamic Republic to promote religious and political messages. The events, which began on July 4, 2026, feature heavy symbolism, including the slogan "We must rise" and its Arabic equivalent "Rise for God," both derived from Quranic verses. A prominent image of Khamenei's clenched fist, linked to a text message from his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei, is also being widely used. The funeral procession's route through Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad, all significant Shia Islamic sites, aims to reinforce the regime's legitimacy and connect Khamenei's death to Shia history and martyrdom, framing retaliation against the US and Israel as a religious obligation.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from his father's funeral, which took place on Sunday. Senior regime officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Revolutionary Guards chief Ahmad Vahidi, along with three of the late ayatollah's other sons, attended the service. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since his father's death in February, fueling speculation about his condition amid rumors he was wounded in the same strikes that killed his father. The elder Khamenei, who ruled from 1989, died in February, and official funeral proceedings began on Friday with extensive ceremonies planned across Iran and Iraq. Millions are expected to attend these events, described by authorities as the "funeral of the century."

Iran is holding large-scale public commemorations for its assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on February 28 after nearly 37 years in power. Authorities are promoting messages of continuity for the Islamic Republic and revenge for his killing, with red flags and slogans like "We must rise" displayed. The country has been shut down on Sunday and Monday to encourage widespread participation in funeral processions in Tehran, with millions expected to attend nationwide. Khamenei's coffin is being displayed at the Grand Mosalla, with tight security in place. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was quickly selected as his successor. The funeral procession is expected to continue through holy Shia sites before burial on Thursday.

A six-day funeral procession for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has begun in Tehran, with up to 30 million people expected to attend. Khamenei's 37-year reign ended in February with an airstrike by the US and Israel, which also killed members of his family, including his granddaughter. The large-scale funeral is intended to convey messages of resistance and a desire for revenge against the West. Khamenei's body will also be carried through Shia cities in Iraq. Officials are urging mourners to avoid overcrowding at the Grand Mosalla mosque. The funeral is also seen as a display of defiance and power by the government, aiming to reunify the nation following Khamenei's conservative rule.

Funeral ceremonies for Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei commenced on Saturday, drawing thousands of participants. State television reported that Iranian authorities anticipate between 15 and 20 million people will attend tributes in Tehran over the next three days. These six days of ceremonies are intended to commemorate Khamenei, who led the country for 35 years until his death at age 86 on February 28. The events are also described as a demonstration of strength to the Islamic republic's adversaries.

Millions of mourners gathered in Tehran's streets for the funeral procession of Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies extended across multiple cities before concluding with his burial in Mashhad. The article states that mourners packed the streets of Tehran, indicating a large public turnout for the event. The funeral events were significant enough to span various locations within Iran. The final resting place for Ali Khamenei was Mashhad, marking the end of the funeral proceedings.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran's Grand Mosalla on the first day of funeral commemorations for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His body is lying in state at the mosque until Monday. Authorities anticipate 15-20 million people will attend ceremonies across Iran and Iraq in the coming days. The gatherings follow Khamenei's death, which occurred more than four months ago due to US and Israeli strikes. Supporters chanted slogans against the US and called for revenge for his killing, expressing their commitment to him. Khamenei will eventually be buried in his hometown of Mashhad next Thursday.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for the public grand procession of Iran's late Supreme Leader Khamenei. The ceremonies opened with this large public gathering. The event marked a significant public display of mourning following Khamenei's passing. The procession took place in the capital city of Tehran, drawing a substantial crowd of attendees. This event signifies the commencement of funeral ceremonies for the deceased leader.

Iran has begun dayslong funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on February 28th at the age of 86. Mourners gathered in Tehran to pay their respects before his coffin, which was displayed at the Grand Mosalla. The funeral proceedings are expected to draw millions, reminiscent of the 1989 burial of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The government anticipates the large turnout will bolster its position in ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding the war. The timing of the funeral, July 4th, coincided with chants of "Death to America" from the crowds. Concerns linger about potential further attacks from Israel, which had previously threatened Khamenei's son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who may become the new supreme leader.

Funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be held from July 3-9 across Iran and Iraq. Khamenei, 86, died on February 28 in a US-Israeli air strike. The burial, originally planned for March, was postponed due to the ongoing war. The seven-day funeral program begins in Tehran on July 3 with international dignitaries paying respects, followed by public farewells at the Grand Mosalla on July 4 and 5. Processions will then move through other parts of Tehran before heading to Qom on July 6 and 7. The final burial is scheduled to take place in Mashhad. This will be the first major state ceremony under his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iran is preparing for a six-day funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a February attack attributed to the US and Israel. The extensive ceremony, beginning Saturday in Tehran and concluding with burial in Mashhad on Thursday, is designed to showcase national power, resilience, and social cohesion, while also conveying a message of resistance globally. The funeral will include processions through Tehran and visits to Iraqi Shia cities Karbala and Najaf. Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the same attack, is not expected to appear publicly. The event is anticipated to be the largest gathering in Iran since the 1979 revolution, with an estimated 20 million people expected to attend the Tehran procession.

Iran is holding a dayslong funeral and burial for its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after his killing in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike that initiated a war. The ceremonies, beginning Saturday in Tehran, will include processions through cities in Iran and Iraq, serving as a test of the theocracy's ability to rally public support following crackdowns on protests. The funeral's delay was due to the ongoing war, and its timing now coincides with an uneasy ceasefire and an interim deal with the U.S. Concerns exist about potential stampedes, reminiscent of past funerals. Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. It remains uncertain if his son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to have been wounded, will appear publicly.

The body of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Friday for his funeral. State media reported that Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war. Millions of people and foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the official ceremony on Saturday. Tehran's chief negotiator has called for a large turnout to avenge Khamenei's death. Photos showed mourners carrying his coffin into the Grand Mosalla, a significant ceremonial venue.

Iran has begun a week of funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in February. Top Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries are paying their respects at the Grand Mosalla religious complex in Tehran. Khamenei's coffin, draped with the national flag, was carried by mourners. The funeral was delayed due to the war on Iran. Millions are expected to participate in public mourning and processions across Iran and neighboring Iraq before his burial next week. Many world leaders are attending, though invitations were reportedly not extended to several European countries that supported the US and Israeli military campaign. The event is being framed by Iranian authorities as a display of unity.

Iran is preparing for a six-day funeral for its former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a February attack. The ceremony, beginning Saturday in Tehran and concluding with burial in Mashhad on Thursday, is intended as a large-scale display of national power and resilience, drawing millions and relaying messages of resistance globally. Khamenei's body will also be carried through Iraqi Shia cities. His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, is not expected to attend due to severe injuries sustained in the same attack, which also killed his wife and daughter. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has criticized NATO's current support structure, calling it a "one-sided" relationship and highlighting Europe's defense spending. Additionally, the FBI has requested 260 staffers to investigate the 2020 election in Georgia's Fulton County.

Representatives from over 100 countries are expected to attend the state funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died at age 86. The funeral ceremonies will commence in Tehran on Friday and span seven days, including religious rites in Iran and Iraq. Public viewing of Khamenei's coffin will be held in Tehran on Saturday and Sunday. Processions will move south towards Qom on Monday and Tuesday, with an official reception and public processions scheduled in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq, on Wednesday. The final burial ceremony will take place in Mashhad, Iran, on Friday. Khamenei was reportedly killed in a joint US-Israeli air strike on February 28.