local
Iran’s supreme leader missed his father’s momentous funeral – now what?
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 9, 2026
· 7 min read
By Mostafa Salem, CNN
(CNN) — As the sea of mourners filled a colossal mosque courtyard in Tehran to see the body of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the last time, a mystery man in clerical robes stood at a distance, observing from a balcony the unfolding of the historic ceremony.
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Key takeaway The man, standing at the side of a small group of people, appeared in a grainy video that went viral on social media, fueled by suspicions that he was the ayatollah’s son and Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The news of Iran's supreme leader missing his father's funeral has significant implications for El Paso residents with ties to the Middle East. As a city with a diverse population, including a sizable Iranian-American community, the developments in Iran can have a ripple effect on local families and businesses. The fact that Mojtaba Khamenei has remained in hiding since the war began, communicating only through written statements, raises concerns about the stability of the region and its potential impact on El Paso's international trade and cultural exchange. Furthermore, the city's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its role as a major trade hub make it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, making it crucial for local leaders to monitor the situation closely and assess its potential effects on the local economy and community.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Mostafa Salem, CNN
(CNN) — As the sea of mourners filled a colossal mosque courtyard in Tehran to see the body of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the last time, a mystery man in clerical robes stood at a distance, observing from a balcony the unfolding of the historic ceremony.
...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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