State Funeral for Khamenei; Significant Absence of Successor in Tehran

Grand Ceremony in Tehran and Presence of Foreign Delegations

Today, July 5, 2026, Tehran witnessed one of the largest state ceremonies in recent decades. The farewell ceremony for Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic who lost his life in airstrikes on February 28, was held at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla with the extensive presence of domestic and foreign officials [3]. The ceremony, held with a several-month delay due to ongoing conflicts and airstrikes by the United States and Israel, hosted representatives from more than 100 countries [4].

Notable figures present at the ceremony included Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of Turkey, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, and the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, and Qatar [1]. The wide presence of diplomatic delegations while the region remains in tension indicates the importance of this political transition in Iran. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, paid his respects next to Khamenei's coffin, which was draped in the Iranian flag [3].

The Mystery of Mojtaba Khamenei's Absence; Security Measures or Succession Crisis?

The point that caught the media's attention more than anything else was the conspicuous absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and potential successor of the former leader, at today's ceremony. According to reports published by media outlets such as Investing.com, Mojtaba Khamenei did not attend any public ceremonies due to severe security concerns and the possibility of being targeted by Israeli or American drones [1].

It is said that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was himself wounded in the February attacks, has not appeared in public since his unofficial appointment as successor. Revolutionary Guard officials told foreign media that his security team vetoed his presence in the million-strong gatherings in Tehran due to precise monitoring of movements by foreign intelligence services [1]. Instead of him, three Grand Ayatollahs will be responsible for leading the prayers over Khamenei's body in different cities.

The Long Path of Farewell; From Qom and Karbala to Mashhad

The funeral program for Ali Khamenei is not limited to Tehran. According to the announced schedule, his body will be transferred to the city of Qom after Tehran to be processed among the clerics and people of that city on July 6 and 7 [2]. In a symbolic and unprecedented move, the body of the former Iranian leader is scheduled to be transferred to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq on July 8, and after circumambulation in the holy shrines, it will be returned to Iran [3].

The final destination of this caravan will be the city of Mashhad. The official burial ceremony will be held on July 9, 2026, at the Imam Reza Shrine. Iranian government officials, declaring three days of official holiday, expect more than 20 million people in various cities to participate in the funeral ceremonies by the end of the event [1].

Tense Regional Atmosphere and Threatening Messages from Commanders

On the sidelines of this ceremony, senior Iranian military commanders once again emphasized retaliation. General Amir Hatami, a senior army commander, announced in an interview with state television that Iran will certainly take revenge for the blood of its leader from the United States and Israel [2]. These statements are made while, simultaneously with the funeral ceremony in Tehran, the United States was preparing for its 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4, and U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the continuation of pressure on Tehran [1]. The security situation at Iran's borders and the country's airspace has been heavily reinforced, and commercial flights are facing restrictions in many areas.