Tehran : More than four months after US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country is preparing for an elaborate state funeral that is expected to draw millions of mourners. As Iran prepares for one of the most significant events in its recent history, attention has shifted to the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since taking office following his father’s death.
According to Iranian state media, he suffered severe facial injuries and wounds to his leg. Since assuming leadership, he has not appeared in public or released any video or audio messages, with all his statements instead being delivered through state television presenters or official media outlets. His messages have consistently projected continuity and defiance. In his first address after taking office, broadcast through state media in March, Mojtaba said Iran sought peace but would not compromise on its rights.
He vowed to continue resisting pressure from the United States and Israel, maintain restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, and warned that attacks on US military bases in the region could continue. He also appealed for national unity and praised Iran’s armed forces. Subsequent statements have echoed the same themes. He has reiterated Iran’s commitment to defending its interests, described regional resistance groups as a unified front, stressed cooperation with neighbouring countries while maintaining a firm stance against US forces, and called for continued public unity even during periods of ceasefire.
Reports have even suggested that citizens posted “missing person” notices in some areas, while hardliners have defended his low profile as a necessary security measure. In his latest statement, issued on Sunday to mark Iran’s National Judiciary Week, Mojtaba Khamenei directed the judiciary to prosecute those responsible for what Tehran describes as crimes committed during the June 2025 conflict and the latest war that began in February.
Ali Khamenei himself regularly attended commemorations honouring his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Whether Mojtaba will appear publicly at his father’s funeral remains the biggest unanswered question. Iranian authorities have offered no indication of whether he will attend. While reports suggest he has become more active behind the scenes during ceasefire negotiations with the United States, the government has continued relying on written statements rather than public appearances.
Within Iran, the Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, but his absence from public view has prompted questions about the stability of the leadership and the regime’s ability to project confidence. A public appearance at the funeral could help reassure supporters, silence rumours surrounding his health and reinforce the message of continuity.
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