Thousands mourn Khamenei as successor remains mysteriously absent; regime vows retaliation against Trump and Israel

Massive crowds lined the streets of Tehran on Tuesday for the funeral procession of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, with his coffin carried alongside those of four family members killed in the Israeli and American strike that claimed his life. Mourners waved red flags, burned American banners and chanted threats directed at Donald Trump, with some shouting “You killed our father, you will not escape.” The funeral represents one of the largest public gatherings in Iran in recent years, drawing regime officials and ordinary citizens alike to demonstrate national unity in the face of the perceived foreign aggression.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the former leader’s son who was severely wounded in the same Israeli-American operation, has conspicuously failed to appear at the funeral proceedings, raising fresh questions about his condition and his prospects as a potential successor. Mojtaba, long groomed as a possible heir to his father’s position, has not been seen publicly since the attack that killed Iran’s top military commander and other senior figures. His absence marks a significant gap in the regime’s leadership visible display at this critical moment.

Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the ceremony alongside other senior regime officials, who sought to project continuity and strength despite the loss. Senior Iranian leaders took to the podium to reassure the population, declaring that “his death has not weakened us” and promising a response to what they characterised as American and Israeli aggression. The statements appear designed to prevent any perception of vulnerability or internal instability as Iran grapples with questions about its future leadership structure.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.