Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei absent from wife's funeral: Report

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, was conspicuously absent from the funeral of his wife Zahra Hadad-Adel, who was killed in the February 28 US-Israeli strike on Ali Khamenei's residence.The funeral was held on Wednesday at Farhang High School in Tehran and attended by her father, Gholam-Ali Hadad-Adel, the former speaker of parliament, along with relatives and fellow educators. Zahra Hadad-Adel, born in 1979, was a teacher at the Tehran girls' branch of the Farhang school network and held a degree in communication sciences from Allameh Tabataba'i University.Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by the Assembly of Experts as the third Supreme Leader shortly after his father's death. However, since that time, he has made no physical appearances at any ceremonies or public events, communicating with supporters only through written statements.Speculation over health and whereaboutsFollowing the death of Ali Khamenei, reports circulated that Mojtaba had been injured in the strikes, with varying accounts estimating his injuries from minor wounds to amputation . Iranian Health Ministry officials have claimed his injuries were minor, requiring only "a stitch or two," and that he was discharged from hospital on March 1 . However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested his injuries may have been more serious, with reports that he suffered burns to his face and lips making it difficult for him to speak.To date, no new photographs or videos of him have been released, even from private circles. The absence comes as Iran prepares for the six-day state funeral of Ali Khamenei, beginning July 4 and spanning five cities including Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, with burial scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine .It remains unclear whether Mojtaba will appear at his father's funeral, a decision that could either establish his legitimacy or deepen skepticism about his health and capacity to lead .Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.