Wounded Iran leader skips father's funeral after US attack
Photo: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei (Getty Images)
Mojtaba Khamenei, who became Iran's supreme leader following his father's death, did not attend the funeral, fueling further speculation about his condition, according to Reuters.
Funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during strikes on Iranian targets at the start of the Israel-US war against Iran, began in Tehran.
On Sunday, three of Khamenei's sons — Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud — were seen praying beside his coffin. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's supreme leader, was notably absent.
State television showed the coffins of Khamenei and four members of his family in the courtyard of the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran. Alongside the late ayatollah's coffin were those of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since the attack on February 28.
Sources close to him told Reuters that he suffered severe injuries, including facial disfigurement and serious trauma to one or both legs.
What is known about Khamenei's condition
Since being injured during the US-Israeli strike, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a single public appearance. According to media reports, he narrowly survived the attack on his bunker, escaping just seconds before the explosion, but sustained significant injuries.
Media outlets have also reported that Khamenei was secretly taken to Moscow for surgery and may be recovering at one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's residences.
According to CNN, he is continuing treatment for severe burns to his face, arm, torso, and leg, while US intelligence has yet to confirm his whereabouts.
At the same time, US officials believe the new Iranian supreme leader has been involved in shaping Tehran's military strategy and its negotiating position toward the United States.
