Thought Killed in the War, Three Top Iranian Figures Make Surprise Appearance at Khamenei's Funeral

Tehran: During the final farewell ceremony of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, many senior leaders and military officers, who had not been seen for a long time during the war, appeared in public. Prominent among them were former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ahmed Wahdi and Quds Force commander Ismail Kani. The presence of these three put an end to speculations that they were killed or seriously injured during the war.

Has the presence of these leaders given rise to new discussions?

After the public appearance of Ahmadinejad, Vahidi and Kani together, a new debate has started in the political and security circles of West Asia. During the war, different types of news had come out regarding the condition of these leaders, but detailed information was not shared by Iran in all the cases. After their presence in the last farewell ceremony, the question is now being raised that how many of those senior officers about whom various claims were made during the struggle have remained away from public life till now.

Why did Ahmadinejad's return become a topic of discussion?

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was not seen in public events for the last several months. His presence in Khamenei's last journey has given rise to new discussions in political circles. Ahmadinejad, who has long been influential in Iranian politics, has maintained distance from the establishment in recent years, but his presence at the event is also being seen as a sign of solidarity with the establishment.

How important is the coming forward of Ahmed Wahidi and Ismail Kani?

IRGC chief Ahmed Vahidi and Quds Force chief Ismail Kani also appeared on the public stage after a long time. Both officers are counted among the most important faces of Iran's security and military strategy. There was much speculation about him during the war, but his presence at the funeral made it clear that he played an active role. Speaking to the media during the ceremony, Vahidi said that Iran is not going to bow down to any pressure and will continue to take every necessary step for its security.

Why has Mujtaba Khamenei not come in public yet?

The biggest discussion at the ceremony was the absence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor and new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian officials say they have stayed away from public events due to security reasons.

There were also reports of his injury during the war, although it was officially said that his public appearance has been postponed for the time being due to security reasons. The religious rituals of the last rites are being performed in the presence of senior religious leaders.