Story perspectives

Mojtaba Khamenei skips father's burial, injured; guards eye power.

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mojtaba Khamenei missed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad, sparking speculation about injuries.
Senior sources said he sustained facial disfigurement and other wounds in the February 28 air strike that killed his father.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said in May he met Mojtaba and that his health was improving.
Analysts warned the Revolutionary Guards may dominate decision-making and a power struggle could arise with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

History

Historical Context

After Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death on 3 June 1989, the Assembly of Experts swiftly approved constitutional amendments and appointed Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader on 4 June 1989. That month Rafsanjani began an eight-year presidency that pursued pragmatic, economy-first policies, while the Revolutionary Guard entrenched its political clout—a pattern reflected in today’s power struggles.

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Story summary

Mojtaba Khamenei missed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad, sparking speculation about injuries.
Senior sources said he sustained facial disfigurement and other wounds in the February 28 air strike that killed his father.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said in May he met Mojtaba and that his health was improving.
Analysts warned the Revolutionary Guards may dominate decision-making and a power struggle could arise with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

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