How the Absence of Iran's New Supreme Leader Is Becoming a Liability for the Islamic Republic
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from his father's funeral fuels security concerns and debate over his leadership and alleged injuries.
- During his father's funeral ceremonies this week, Ayatollah Imam Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei remained absent, fueling questions about Iran's new Supreme Leader's health and ability to govern.
- Believed to have been wounded in a February attack by Israel and the US that killed his family, Khamenei has remained in hiding since the war began, communicating only through written statements.
- Viral videos and social media rumors claimed Mojtaba attended Tehran's ceremony in disguise, yet pro-regime journalists suggested he was present after "excellent coordination" with the Revolutionary Guards; neither claim has been verified.
- Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group told CNN the absence suggests "profound paranoia over his security or significant injuries," creating doubt among regime supporters about governance continuity.
- Tomorrow, the Islamic Propagation Coordination Council will hold a memorial ceremony in Qom under Khamenei's auspices, though Mohsen Milani warned any public appearance could expose him to assassination, jeopardizing the succession.
62 Articles
62 Articles
The Billings Gazette
How the absence of Iran's new supreme leader is becoming a liability for the Islamic Republic
The whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei have been a mystery to Iranians and the rest of the world alike since his appointment as supreme leader a week after the strike that killed his father at the end of February.
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from his father’s funeral could signal shifting role for Iran leader
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since he was wounded in the US-Israeli air strikes that killed his father and wife – even at their week-long funeral ceremonies this week. While his injuries and the threat of assassination could well have played a role in his disappearance, analysts suggest it could also signal a changing role for the country's top position.
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence at Ali Khamenei funeral fuels questions over Iran's new leader
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from his father's funeral raises health and security concerns. He was appointed supreme leader after his father's death in an airstrike. Analysts suggest he may delegate more power to the Revolutionary Guards. His leadership style is expected to differ significantly from his father's. This absence indicates underlying paranoia and fear within the regime.
Radio France Internationale
Mojtaba Khamenei absence signals shifting role for Iran leader
The marathon funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, killed on February 28 in an airstrike on the first day of the US-Israeli war with Iran, culminated on Thursday in the holy city of Mashhad, with a who's who of key figures in the Islamic republic attending his burial. Those present included speaker of parliament and chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, powerful chief justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and A…
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