As Iran began a days-long funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba, was noticeably absent. Authorities cited that his decision to skip the public state funeral ceremonies was driven strictly by severe security risks and intelligence threats.
Khamenei's body was to be on display at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. Early Saturday saw black-clad mourners streaming through streets entirely cleared of vehicle traffic, all attempting to reach the funeral venue.
Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Mojtaba Khamenei is "marked for death."
Iranian officials and aides confirmed that the threat of targeted drone or airstrikes, combined with active intelligence surveillance, makes any highly publicised appearance amidst massive crowds incredibly dangerous.
Succeeding his father as Supreme Leader, Mojtaba's safety is the Iranian state's highest security priority. Though he expressed his desire to join the public and take part in the funeral, he was not allowed as the state security protocol simply cannot guarantee his protection at an open, multi-day public venue like the Grand Mosalla.
His complete absence from the public eye since the February 28 airstrike that killed his father has fueled intense speculation regarding the severity of his injuries.
Because he has not appeared in a single video, photograph, or audio recording since taking office—communicating entirely through written statements read by state TV anchors—the true state of his health remains a subject of heavy debate between Iranian officials and Western intelligence.
Reports from international media and Western intelligence suggest Mojtaba suffered significant, physically altering injuries in the strike on the supreme leader's compound. In March, Western defence officials indicated he was "believed to be alive, wounded, and disfigured." Reports suggest he suffered severe burns to his face, lips, and upper body, making it physically difficult for him to speak or appear on camera. There are also conflicting rumours about debilitating leg wounds.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have vehemently downplayed these rumours. In late May, Iran's Health Ministry spokesman, Hossein Kermanpour, publicly claimed that Mojtaba’s injuries were strictly "superficial" cuts to his face, head, and legs that "required no special procedures apart from one or two stitches."
State officials repeatedly assure the public that Mojtaba is completely recovering, mentally sharp, and active in daily governance via secure behind-the-scenes channels. However, the total visual blackout has fueled intense domestic skepticism, even prompting citizens to post satirical "missing person" notices in some Iranian cities.
