The identity of the mysterious masked individual seen during the funeral prayers of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly been confirmed, putting an end to widespread speculation on social media. According to Iranian media reports, the masked man was Mohammad Javad Khamenei, the eldest grandson of the late leader and son of Mostafa Khamenei.

Reports claim that Mohammad Javad Khamenei was seriously injured during the airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28, the same attacks in which Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed. The injuries reportedly left him with severe facial burns and wounds, prompting him to wear a black face mask throughout the funeral ceremony.

Before his identity was revealed, many social media users had speculated that the masked figure was Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s son and Iran’s current Supreme Leader. Iranian media also reported that Mojtaba survived the attack after being in another part of the residence but sustained injuries to his limbs and received medical treatment. Since the incident, he has reportedly remained out of the public eye while maintaining contact with military and religious leaders through handwritten messages.

Ali Khamenei was laid to rest in the holy city of Mashhad after six days of mourning. Iranian media claimed that more than 43 million people participated in the funeral and mourning ceremonies, describing them as among the largest public gatherings in the country’s history.