Leaked video footage from Tehran offers a glimpse into the tense atmosphere surrounding the week-long funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The exclusive recordings, obtained by the Daily Mail, suggest a stark contrast between the regime's public display of grief and the quiet dissent of many Iranians. Some citizens, who requested anonymity for their safety, described the organized gatherings as "forced theatrical grief" and referred to attendees as "brainwashed."
The videos depict gridlocked streets choked by traffic and sweltering heat, with regime flags and billboards displaying Khamenei and his son, Mojtaba. In one instance, a driver expressed concern as a police officer approached their vehicle, highlighting the risks associated with recording the events. One citizen noted that being caught filming by the regime can lead to arrest, torture, or execution.
Despite state-broadcasted spectacles, the street-level reality appears different, according to the sources. The driver in one video sarcastically questioned the crowd size, suggesting fear of Israel. Footage also revealed regime operatives distributing free food and cash gift cards in an effort to bolster attendance for television cameras, particularly in affluent northern Tehran. This contradicted the regime's narrative of broad support from the working class, as the source observed luxury vehicles with regime flags participating in funeral processions.
Ominous "Kill Trump" signs, in both English and Farsi, have been erected across the capital, underscoring the regime's ongoing isolation. The lengthy funeral procession, spanning an entire week, deviates from traditional Islamic customs requiring burial within 24 hours, and includes stops in Iran and Iraq.
Adding to the uncertainty is the conspicuous absence of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, who was positioned as his successor. Following his father's assassination in February, Mojtaba was quickly put forward by the Assembly of Experts. However, he has not been seen publicly for months. While the official explanation cites extreme security protocols, internal rumors suggest he may have been severely injured in the blast that killed his family. If Mojtaba is incapacitated or deceased, Iran would legally be governed by a three-man council, potentially leading to a crisis of legitimacy and elections for a new Supreme Leader.
Sources indicate that Mojtaba's voice has not been heard, and his absence from his father's burial could signal significant issues. The regime is reportedly working to maintain an image of control amidst these rumors.
During the funeral marches in Tehran, temperatures soared, prompting riot police to use water cannons to cool the crowds and prevent collapses. For many Iranians opposed to the current government, the extended funeral period has led to an exodus from the capital, with thousands traveling to northern Iran to avoid the "forced regime pageant."
State television has featured surviving leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in an effort to project unity. However, one Tehran resident described observing the events with "fear and intense bitterness."