Khamenei’s Son Skips Father’s Funeral Amid Reports of Facial Disfigurement and Security Threats

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a 2026 airstrike, his son Mojtaba Khamenei remains absent from public funeral rites due to severe injuries and persistent concerns for his personal safety.

The Funeral Proceedings in Tehran

Funeral ceremonies for the late Ayatollah have been underway since July 3. The casket was displayed at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque over the weekend, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, carrying Iranian flags and red banners symbolizing a call for vengeance.

Absenteeism of the Successor

While the Ayatollah’s sons Mostafa, Masoud, and Meysam attended the prayer service, his fourth son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was conspicuously absent. Mojtaba, who assumed the role of Iran’s supreme leader following his father’s death in March, has not appeared in public since taking office.

Injuries and Security Concerns

Reports suggest Mojtaba sustained severe injuries during a joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Sources close to his inner circle indicate he suffered a disfigured face and serious leg injuries. Al-Jazeera suggests his absence is also a tactical security measure, as his life remains under constant threat from foreign intelligence agencies.

The Death of Ali Khamenei

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli-American airstrike that began on February 28, 2026. The strike also claimed the lives of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and infant granddaughter, prompting public statements from Donald Trump regarding the event.