10/07/2026 21:45 - Internacionales
On July 9, 2026, thousands of faithful gathered in the city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran, to attend the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died at 86 years old on February 28, 2026, during a bombing that sparked the conflict. His funeral took place at the Imam Reza Shrine, the holiest site for Shia Islam in the country, ending his rule of over three and a half decades.
The atmosphere during the ceremony was highly volatile. According to international media reports, a massive banner unfurled on a building's facade proclaimed: 'We will kill Trump,' while another offered a reward of $100 million for the US president's death. Posters against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also seen, reading 'there will be blood.'
One of the greatest mysteries surrounding the Islamic Republic in this new chapter is the figure of Mojtaba Khamenei (56 years old), the son of the late leader and his designated successor in March. According to sources, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearance since his appointment.
During the funeral rites, the presence of a man with his face covered and wearing a black baseball cap sparked intense debate on social media, with many speculating whether it was the new Supreme Leader in disguise. This strategy of keeping the highest authority shrouded in mystery highlights the deep internal divisions and security concerns within the regime.
The funeral unfolded amid a military escalation. On July 8, 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran had 'ended,' though he confirmed that talks would continue. This rupture followed an exchange of bombings set against the backdrop of control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The United States responded to the vessel attacks by bombing several sites in Iran. Additionally, the Trump administration imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian financial facilitators and exchange houses moving billions of dollars annually. Meanwhile, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Tehran remains 'suspicious' and is prepared for a 'total defense' if Washington violates the memorandum.
Despite the tension, active international efforts are underway to prevent a large-scale war. Negotiators from Qatar and Pakistan have traveled to Iran to mediate and reduce tensions, in coordination with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Oman this weekend to discuss the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials indicated that the current strategy involves deliberate attacks followed by pauses to avoid escalation and allow diplomacy to take its course. The international community remains hopeful that more rational factions within the Iranian leadership can prevail and restore stability to the region.
Sources: CNN en Español, DW.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
