Questions are mounting over whether Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, will make a public appearance at the janaza of his father, the late Ayatollah, amid continued uncertainty over his health and leadership.
The janaza is expected to be a defining moment for Mojtaba, who succeeded his father after the latter was killed in a US-Israeli strike. According to reports, the attack also claimed the lives of Mojtaba’s mother and wife, while he was reportedly seriously injured.
Since the conflict began in late February, 2026, Mojtaba has remained out of public view, communicating only through written statements without appearing in public or issuing recorded messages. His absence has fueled speculation about his condition and raised questions over who is directing the country's affairs.
Iranian authorities have sought to dispel those concerns, insisting that the new supreme leader has recovered and is actively overseeing key state matters, including negotiations with the United States.
A public appearance at his father's janaza, particularly if he leads the janaza prayers, would mark his first appearance since assuming the country’s highest position and could strengthen his standing among supporters.
However, failure to attend is likely to intensify doubts about both his health and his ability to govern. Mojtaba Khamenei also did not attend a private memorial ceremony for his late wife on Wednesday, further adding to speculation.
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Israel remain high. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on Wednesday that Tehran would respond immediately and forcefully to any threat against the country's leadership after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reportedly said that Khamenei was “marked for death.”
Iranian officials could portray any decision by Mojtaba Khamenei to remain absent from the janaza as a security precaution because of the ongoing conflict. Even so, such a move would likely leave unanswered questions about his health and readiness to lead the country.
When media asked this week whether the new supreme leader would attend the janaza, Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, who heads the authority organising the janaza, declined to comment, saying the decision rests solely with the Office of the Supreme Leader.
