Tehran | International Desk: Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made a dramatic and unexpected public reappearance during the state funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ending months of speculation over reports that he had been killed at the outset of the recent war. Dressed in black and walking among millions of mourners who filled the streets of Tehran, Ahmadinejad was seen publicly for the first time since missile strikes near his residence sparked widespread claims of his death. Although various reports circulated during the conflict, Iranian authorities never officially confirmed or denied his fate, leaving his status one of the war’s enduring mysteries. His appearance at one of the largest funeral processions in Iran’s modern history immediately drew national and international attention. The ceremony also saw the participation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was photographed riding on the back of a motorcycle to navigate the massive crowds. Meanwhile, the absence of former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani fueled further political discussion, with critics alleging they had not been invited to the state ceremony. Along the funeral route, mourners displayed political banners and symbolic protests, reflecting the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the event. Political analysts say Ahmadinejad’s unexpected return not only dispelled persistent rumors surrounding his reported death but also highlighted the uncertainty and shifting dynamics of Iran’s post-war political landscape. His reappearance has reignited debate over the country’s future leadership, internal power structure, and the evolving direction of the Islamic Republic following one of the most consequential periods in its recent history.
Ahmadinejad returns to mourning procession of millions
