Iranian media say the funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is set for Tuesday in the city of Qom, nearly four months after he was killed in a surprise attack at the start of the war on February 28. The main funeral procession is expected to take place in Qom, with farewell ceremonies also planned for family members who were killed during Operation "Roar of the Lion."
The reports also say Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, may appear in public for the first time since being appointed Iran's Supreme Leader. He has not been seen publicly since the war began, and especially since taking the post, with various reports saying he is staying in a secret location out of fear of being targeted.
According to the article, Mojtaba Khamenei was present at the compound where his father was staying when the attack killed Ali Khamenei, and he was also injured. No official information has been released about the nature of his wound or his medical condition. His long absence has fueled speculation inside Iran and abroad.
Although messages attributed to him continue to appear in official channels and on social media, there is no proof that he is personally behind them or directly running the regime. Analysts say the funeral, which is expected to draw large crowds and senior Iranian officials, could provide the best opportunity for his first public appearance. Western and regional observers are watching closely, as such a move would offer the first real clue about his health and about how he intends to lead Iran after the war. For Tehran, it would also be a chance to project stability and continuity after months of security and political upheaval, though it remains unclear whether he will attend publicly or stay hidden for security reasons.
