IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER ABSENT FROM FATHER'S FUNERAL

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, did not appear publicly at the week-long funeral ceremonies for his father and predecessor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February in US-Israeli air strikes. The funeral culminated on Thursday in the holy city of Mashhad, attended by senior figures including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of parliament and chief negotiator in talks with the United States, and chief justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader shortly after his father's death and has communicated only via written statements since that time. Despite extensive speculation on social media and claims from unverified sources, no confirmed public appearance by the 56-year-old was recorded during the ceremonies.

Explanations for his absence vary among observers. Some have speculated that injuries sustained in the air strike that killed his father may have been severe enough to prevent him from attending. Others have pointed to the risk of direct targeting by Israel or the United States. His brother Mostafa Khamenei attended the funeral, as did other close family members and senior government officials.

Analysts suggest Mojtaba Khamenei's absence and continued use of written communication may signal a shift in how Iran's top position functions compared with his father. Sources indicate that greater delegation of power to the Revolutionary Guards may occur under Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership, and that political infighting within the Iranian government may intensify during this transition period.