Iranian ex-pres. Ahmadinejad, Kataib Hezbollah figures attend Khamenei funeral as Iran vows revenge

What Happened

Representatives from the Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah participated in the third day of funeral processions for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, according to Iranian state media. The funeral events, which began on Saturday and are scheduled to continue through Thursday, have drawn large crowds across the capital, with the Iranian metro system reporting 7 million passenger trips between Saturday and Sunday morning. While former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was observed at the ceremony, Mojtaba Khamenei, the designated successor, remained absent due to reported security concerns regarding potential Israeli assassination attempts. Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Command, issued a warning on Friday threatening a harsh response against the United States and Israel should they attempt to strike during the week-long mourning period.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The funeral serves as a focal point for internal regime stability and a platform for the Iranian state to project resolve through mass mobilization and rhetoric of revenge. The absence of the successor and the high-profile security warnings underscore the vulnerability of the Iranian leadership following the February 28 strikes that killed Ali Khamenei and other family members, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.

Watch For

The movement of the funeral procession to the religious centers of Qom, Najaf, and Kerbala, culminating in the burial in Mashhad on Thursday. Observers should also monitor for any further public appearances or official statements from Mojtaba Khamenei to assess the status of the leadership transition.