Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has resurfaced in public, months after widespread reports in Iranian media claimed he had been killed during the opening stages of the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
His appearance at the funeral procession for Iran’s late Supreme Leader has surprised many observers, effectively ending speculation about his fate.
Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, had disappeared from public view after the outbreak of war in February.
Early reports suggested he had died when strikes targeting senior Iranian figures hit areas of Tehran, with one missile reportedly landing near his residence.
Following those claims, he was neither seen nor heard from for several months.
Unexpected Appearance During National Mourning
The former president was photographed among thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Monday for the funeral ceremonies honoring the late Ali Khamenei.
Wearing a light brown jacket and a face mask lowered around his neck, Ahmadinejad blended into the crowd as mourners dressed in black paid their final respects.
His unexpected appearance quickly attracted attention, as it marked his first confirmed public sighting since the conflict erupted.
Massive Funeral Procession Fills Tehran’s Streets
The funeral ceremonies drew enormous crowds across the Iranian capital, with state television broadcasting aerial footage showing long stretches of mourners filling major roads from Azadi Square and surrounding districts.
At the center of the procession, Khamenei’s flag-covered coffin was transported aboard a decorated truck designed to resemble the ornate latticework surrounding the shrine of a revered imam.
Coffins carrying several of his family members, who were also killed in the February 28 airstrike, accompanied the procession.
Iranian authorities encouraged large public participation, presenting the turnout as a demonstration of national solidarity and resilience during a period of heightened international tension.
Demonstration of Strength Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The funeral took place as Tehran continues negotiations with the United States over securing a permanent end to the conflict.
Discussions remain focused on several major issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear activities, and broader regional security concerns.
Officials are expected to resume negotiations after the funeral ceremonies conclude.
The gathering also served as a political display, reinforcing Iran’s position following months of military confrontation and diplomatic uncertainty.
Crowd Size Appears Larger Than Previous National Funeral
Although officials have not released an official attendance figure, the turnout appeared to exceed the massive funeral held in 2020 for Qassem Soleimani, which attracted more than one million mourners.
As the funeral convoy slowly advanced through Tehran, crowds lined the streets carrying Iranian flags, portraits of Khamenei and banners expressing support for the country’s leadership. Some demonstrators also displayed placards calling for the death of Donald Trump.
Longstanding Tensions Between Tehran and Washington Continue
American authorities have monitored alleged Iranian threats against Trump and other current and former U.S. officials for several years, largely stemming from Trump’s authorization of the 2020 strike that killed Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Iran has consistently denied accusations that it has plotted to assassinate Trump, despite hard-line propaganda frequently depicting him as a target.
During the recent conflict, Trump also issued strong warnings against Iran, including threats aimed at the country’s future if hostilities escalated further.
The two governments remain divided over several issues beyond the Strait of Hormuz, particularly Iran’s nuclear program and the role of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Remains Out of Public View
While funeral ceremonies continue over several days, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to appear publicly.
Reports suggest he remains in a secure location after reportedly sustaining injuries during the airstrike that killed his father.
During the conflict, Israel targeted several senior Iranian officials and is believed to have relied on public appearances to determine their locations.
Israeli officials have also reportedly threatened Mojtaba Khamenei as tensions between the two countries continue despite the ceasefire.
