TEHRAN July 6, 2026 — Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, described Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “the richest man in the world” during a visit to pay final respects in Tehran.
Mohamad Sabu led a Malaysian government delegation to the Grand Mosalla in Tehran as part of multi-day mourning ceremonies for Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in late February 2026 at the start of a regional conflict. The ceremonies, which began on July 4, are expected to conclude with burial at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad on July 9.
In footage shared by Iranian state media IRNA and circulating on social platforms, Mohamad Sabu praised Khamenei’s leadership, stating in essence that the late leader was the richest man in the world because Iran and its people belonged to him. The remark was framed as a tribute highlighting Khamenei’s profound influence rather than literal financial wealth.
Mohamad Sabu posted on Facebook that the final respects at the Grand Mosalla had concluded and noted that mourning ceremonies would continue over several days, moving to Qom, Najaf, and Karbala before the burial. He was welcomed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his arrival.
Iranian outlets, including IRNA, prominently featured the Malaysian minister’s comments as a gesture of solidarity during the solemn state funeral proceedings, which have drawn large crowds in Tehran.
The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Iran. International delegations from numerous countries have attended the events honoring the leader who guided the Islamic Republic for nearly four decades.
The six-day funeral processions are taking place nearly four months after Khamenei’s death, amid a fragile regional truce.
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