The mystery surrounding the masked man seen at the funeral of Iran‘s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has finally been solved. According to Iranian media reports, the person wearing a black face mask and black baseball cap was Mohammad Javad Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s eldest grandson, and not his son Mojtaba Khamenei, as many people had believed.
The unidentified man was seen sitting in the front row during the funeral prayers. His appearance sparked widespread speculation on social media, with many claiming he was Mojtaba Khamenei. However, Iran International later reported that the masked man was Mohammad Javad, the son of Ali Khamenei’s eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei.
Who was the masked man at Ali Khamenei’s funeral?

According to reports, Mohammad Javad Khamenei suffered serious facial injuries during the February 28 airstrike that reportedly killed Ali Khamenei. Because of these injuries, he covered his face completely with a black mask during the funeral ceremony.
The attack reportedly targeted Khamenei’s residence. While Ali Khamenei was killed in the strike, Mojtaba Khamenei survived because he was in another room. However, reports say he also suffered serious injuries.
Why was Mohammad Javad Khamenei wearing a mask?
Iranian media reports claim Mohammad Javad’s face was badly injured in the attack, making it necessary for him to keep his face covered during the funeral. His appearance in a mask led to speculation that the person was Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since the reported strike.
What happened to Mojtaba Khamenei?
According to the New York Post, citing US intelligence sources, Mojtaba Khamenei suffered severe injuries, including serious damage to his face. Soon after the attack, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, said Mojtaba had injuries to his legs, arms and hands and was receiving treatment in hospital.
Since February 28, Mojtaba has not appeared in public. He has not delivered any speech or released any video message. Australian media reports claim he has been communicating with Iran’s military commanders through handwritten messages. He was also absent from his father’s funeral.
Why was Ali Khamenei’s funeral delayed?
Iranian authorities reportedly delayed Ali Khamenei’s funeral because of security concerns linked to tensions involving the US and Israel. Reports say his body remained in cold storage for more than four months before the funeral was held.
After six days of official mourning ceremonies, Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. His coffin was wrapped in the Iranian national flag before burial.
Millions attend funeral ceremony
Iranian state media claimed that around 43 million people participated in the mourning ceremonies held across the country. The funeral took place under heavy security amid concerns over regional tensions.
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First published on: Jul 12, 2026 07:37 PM IST
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