Top Iranian officials attend day 2 of Ali Khamenei's funeral amid stalled peace talks

High-ranking Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, gathered on Sunday for the second day of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei's sons Meysam, Mostafa, and Masoud, who had not been seen publicly since the war began, were also in attendance. Masoud was seen wiping away tears, a gesture noted as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians.

Notably absent from the proceedings was Motjaba Khamenei, the son who succeeded his father as Iran's top leader. Speculation surrounds his whereabouts, as he has not been seen in public for months following reports of injuries sustained in the February 28 airstrike that killed his father. Reports suggest he suffered facial disfigurement and leg injuries in the attack.

Other prominent figures present included IRGC leader Gen. Ahmad Vahidi and Esmail Qaani, head of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force. The ceremony, facilitated by poet Mohammad Rasouli, featured chants of "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!" Rasouli also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during his speech.

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Death to America! Death to Israel!

The week-long funeral has placed peace negotiations with the U.S. on hold. These talks were intended to secure a permanent end to the ongoing war. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Axios that he would refrain from attacking Iran during the funeral period to preserve the negotiation process. Analysts suggest that a strong funeral turnout could bolster Iran's negotiating position.

Authorities anticipate a large procession in Tehran on Monday. Khamenei's remains will then be transported to the seminary city of Qom, followed by ceremonies in Iraq's Shi'ite holy shrine cities of Najaf and Kerbala. His final burial will take place at the Shi'ite imam tombs in Mashhad, Iran. One mourner told the Associated Press that Iran's foreign policy should not allow such actions against the nation without a serious response.

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Our foreign policy should not be shaped in a way that allows our martyred leader's blood to be dishonored and other countries can afford to do such things, without any serious response from our government and diplomatic system.