Tehran — Three sons of the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei participated in funeral prayers for their father and other family members on July 5, while Mojtaba Khamenei, the son who succeeded him as Iran’s supreme leader, remained absent. The funeral took place at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large religious complex, drawing tens of thousands of mourners.

Ali Khamenei and several relatives were killed in an air strike on February 28 that marked the start of a conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran. The confrontation lasted several weeks before a fragile ceasefire was established. The war caused widespread damage and loss of life across the region, but Iran’s theocratic government, bolstered by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, retained control.

In a display of allegiance to the state and revolutionary principles, Iran has organized a weeklong series of mass funeral processions for Khamenei. His remains are being taken to Shiite religious sites, including locations in neighboring Iraq. Following a day during which the coffins lay in state indoors for senior officials and foreign dignitaries, Khamenei’s coffin was placed outdoors under glass on July 4, alongside those of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and his 14-month-old granddaughter.

State media reported that on July 5, the number of mourners at the Mosalla required extending the ceremony by an hour. Attendees waved flags with slogans calling for revenge against the United States and Israel and engaged in prayers in unison. Many expressed disappointment at the absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, believed to have sustained serious injuries—including facial disfigurement and leg wounds—in the air strike. No public images of Mojtaba have been released, and his condition remains unclear.

Supporters had hoped to see the new supreme leader during the funeral ceremonies. One mourner reported telling those around her that seeing Mojtaba in person was her only wish.

The ceasefire that paused the hostilities remains in place under an agreement with the United States, which Iranian authorities claim will result in significant economic benefits and represent a strategic victory for Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump told the Axios news website that peace negotiations had been temporarily suspended to accommodate the events surrounding the funeral.