Iran's Supreme Leader Absent from Father's Funeral Amid Injury Reports

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, did not appear at the funeral ceremony for his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack in February. State television broadcast images of Mojtaba's three brothers, Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud Khamenei, leading prayers beside the coffins of their father and other family members.

The funeral processions are part of a week-long national mourning period for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His coffin, along with those of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter, was displayed outdoors under glass on Saturday. The event has drawn large crowds of mourners, with the metro system reporting millions of trips related to the ceremonies.

Speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei's absence stems from reports suggesting he was injured in the February attack that claimed his father's life. Sources close to his inner circle told Reuters that Mojtaba's face was disfigured, and he suffered significant leg injuries. This has led to a pause in peace talks with Washington, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf were among the officials who attended the state ceremony. Masoud Khamenei was visibly emotional, weeping during the funeral prayers. Following a large procession in Tehran on Monday, Khamenei's remains are scheduled to be taken to Qom and then to Iraq for further ceremonies.

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Mojtaba Khamenei’s face was disfigured and he suffered a significant injury to one or both legs.