In brief
The week‑long funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei culminated with his burial after a chaotic period marked by attacks linked to the US‑Israeli war. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was wounded during the killing, has been thrust into the spotlight as the new Supreme Leader but has not appeared publicly yet. With the country still embroiled in conflict and internal unrest, questions remain about how Mojtaba will navigate both domestic politics and international pressures. Analysts, including BBC's Lyse Doucet, are already probing how Iran’s next leadership will respond to the nation’s most pressing challenges.
The funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei concluded a week‑long period of mourning, rallies and mass processions, culminating with his burial amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict.
The death of the late Supreme Leader, whose murder coincided with the escalation of the US‑Israeli war, pushed Iran’s political landscape into uncertainty. Senior Iranian figures were targeted and killed during the same attacks that forced a postponement of the funeral ceremony.
The leadership mantle passed to Mojtaba Khamenei, the senior leader’s son, who has not been seen in public following an alleged injury incurred during the attack. His sudden rise to power places him at the centre of a nation battling war‑related security challenges and internal unrest.
BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet examines how Iran’s new Supreme Leader may respond to several critical issues that loom large for the country. These include the continuation of the US‑Israeli conflict, the protection of Iran’s internal security, and the maintenance of the country’s political legitimacy.