Iranian Parliament Speaker Breaks Down at Khamenei Funeral Amid Skeptical Foreign Minister

At the funeral procession of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was seen openly weeping, a moment that drew significant attention. Standing beside him was Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whose skeptical glance captured by cameras suggested doubt or discomfort with Ghalibaf's emotional display. This scene quickly sparked reactions on social media, with many users mocking Ghalibaf's tears as insincere or theatrical, some suggesting he was fearful of his own future.

Meanwhile, the funeral was marked by the notable absence of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei. According to a New York Times report, Iranian security officials denied Mojtaba's request to attend his father's burial due to fears that Israel might assassinate him or discover his hiding place. Since the outbreak of war in late February, Mojtaba has remained in hiding, communicating only through written statements without revealing his face or voice.

Despite his absence, Iranian officials have attempted to portray Mojtaba as fully recovered and actively managing Tehran's negotiations with Washington. The funeral drew large crowds, but the security concerns surrounding Mojtaba underscore ongoing tensions and fears within Iran's leadership amid the current conflict.