Iran Holds Second Day of Khamenei Funeral Amid Calls for Revenge and Leadership Uncertainty

The second day of funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iran turned into a display of regime strength on Sunday. Thousands of mourners gathered at the large Musalla complex named after Imam Khomeini, where Khamenei's body has been since Saturday. Prayers were broadcast over loudspeakers, with participants singing and waving Iranian flags. Many mourners were seen wiping away tears as Khamenei's coffin, alongside others, was moved to a raised platform for the memorial prayer led by senior cleric 97-year-old Jafar Sobhani. A separate prayer was held for four family members killed in the same US-Israeli strike that killed Khamenei.

High-ranking officials attended the event, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Revolutionary Guards Commander Ahmad Vahidi. Three of Khamenei's sons, Mostafa, Meytham, and Masoud, were present, but notably absent was the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since the US strike on February 28 that killed his father and reportedly injured him. His absence, despite the presence of other senior figures, has raised questions about his condition and the regime's management of his public appearances.

According to Georgetown University professor Mehran Kamrava, the mass funeral aims to project confidence in the regime's continuity and unity under new leadership, sending a message that "business as usual" continues despite Khamenei's death. Kamrava expressed skepticism about the official explanation that Mojtaba's absence is solely for security reasons.

The funeral also featured sharp anti-US and anti-Israel rhetoric. A speaker from the main stage condemned former US President Donald Trump, prompting chants against the US and Israel from the crowd. Iranian state media echoed these sentiments, with one politician calling "blood revenge" the central slogan of the mourners, a recurring theme throughout the mourning events.

Khamenei's body is expected to remain at the Musalla until evening, ahead of the main funeral procession through Tehran on Monday. Authorities have declared Sunday and Monday official holidays and estimate that 15 to 20 million people will participate in Tehran alone. After the procession, the coffin will travel to several cities in Iran and Iraq before burial on Thursday in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown, concluding six days of official mourning for the leader who ruled the Islamic Republic for over three decades.