TEHRAN: The presence of a masked figure during the funeral prayer of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei raised many questions on social media and international media.
Now, Iranian media has clarified the speculations circulating about the identity of this mysterious figure.
According to Iranian media reports, the person seen wearing a black mask at the funeral prayer is Mohammad Javad Khamenei, the great-grandson of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the son of his eldest son Mustafa Khamenei.
Reports claim that Mohammad Javad Khamenei was also seriously injured in the US and Israeli air strikes on February 28. It is said that he had deep wounds and burn marks on his face, due to which he covered his face with a black mask during the funeral prayer.
Earlier, various users on social media were speculating that the masked figure was actually Ali Khamenei’s son and current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but Iranian media denied these claims and claimed that the identity of Mohammad Javad Khamenei had been revealed.
According to reports, various information also emerged regarding the health of Mojtaba Khamenei after the attack. It was said that he was present in the same residence at the time of the attack, but was safe because he was in another part. However, he suffered injuries to his hands, arms and legs and was provided with medical assistance.
Media reports further claimed that since the attack, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in any public event nor has he made any public speeches. According to some reports, he is in contact with the Iranian military leadership and senior religious figures through handwritten messages.
It should be noted that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza (AS) shrine in his hometown of Mashhad after six days of mourning ceremonies.
