From RoboCup To The FIFA World Cup* Mojtaba's Absence Dominates Khamenei's Funeral

The state funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has become as much about succession as mourning. While three of his sons - Mostafa, Masoud and Meysam - appeared publicly at the funeral prayers in Tehran, his designated successor and new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent for the entire ceremony, extending a public disappearance that began after the February U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed his father. Iranian officials have cited security concerns, while his continued absence has fuelled speculation over his health and leadership. The funeral also featured a rare public appearance by the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, underscoring the military's central role in protecting the regime during a sensitive transition.