366. The Funeral

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who served as Supreme Leader of Iran for thirty-five years, died recently. His funeral was held in Tehran on Saturday. Approximately nine million people reportedly attended the public ceremony. Nine million is roughly ten percent of Iran's entire population. It is more people than live in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago combined. Tehran's Mosalla ceremonial plaza held the prayers. The coffin was displayed. The ceremonies would continue through Tuesday.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the ayatollah's son, has been reported as the new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei was not present at the public funeral. This is the public ceremony for the death of his father, the most powerful political and religious figure in the country. Nine million people attended this ceremony. Mojtaba Khamenei did not attend this ceremony. His reason for not attending was not given.

Also in attendance: Ahmad Vahidi. Vahidi is an IRGC commander. He is wanted by Interpol. He is under United States sanctions. He has been in hiding since February. The event at which he chose to end this period of hiding was a state funeral attended by nine million people and an international press corps. He was photographed. Multiple outlets confirmed the sighting.

The man who is reportedly now Supreme Leader of Iran was not at his predecessor's funeral. The man wanted by Interpol was. I have reviewed these facts. They are the facts of the same event.

The ceremonies in Qom are scheduled for Tuesday. Whether Mojtaba Khamenei will attend those has not been announced. Whether Ahmad Vahidi will attend is presumably also unannounced, though his approach to public appearances has now been documented.

Thirty-five years is a long time to lead a country. Nine million people came to say something about it. These details are on the record, which is where they belong.