U.S. Mosques Spark Outrage After Holding Memorials for Iran’s Slain Supreme Leader
Two U.S.-based mosques with a history of scrutiny over alleged ties to the Iranian regime are facing fresh backlash after hosting formal events honoring Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in a U.S. military strike. One of the mosques, located in Manassas, Virginia, even referred to the radical cleric as “our leader” during a memorial event.
The Virginia mosque and the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, both publicly promoted gatherings commemorating the Iranian strongman, who led one of the world’s most dangerous state sponsors of terrorism. The Manassas event was organized as a “Potluck Iftar” during Ramadan, where participants broke their daily fast while paying tribute to Khamenei.
Meanwhile in Michigan, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom sharply condemned the U.S. military operation, calling it “evil” and suggesting it lacked justification.
“You promised that America First, and now we ended up to have Netanyahu first,” Elahi told attendees, criticizing U.S. leadership and questioning the rationale behind the strike.
Elahi further claimed that concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions were unfounded and alleged the operation was about “regime change” rather than national security. His remarks echo familiar talking points often pushed by Tehran’s ruling elite.
Unverified Claims Amplified
The Michigan-based center also repeated unverified reports circulating from Iranian state media claiming that large numbers of children were killed in a missile strike on a school. Initial figures released by Iranian health officials stated dozens were killed and injured, with subsequent state-backed outlets increasing the numbers in the following days.
U.S. Central Command acknowledged it is aware of reports of possible civilian casualties and said those claims are being reviewed.
“We take these reports seriously and are looking into them,” a Centcom spokesperson said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the allegations, speakers at the Michigan mosque went further, accusing the United States of intentionally targeting children and labeling the strike a moral and legal outrage.
Longstanding Concerns Over Iran Ties
Both mosques were previously identified in a July 2023 letter from Congressional Republicans to federal officials raising alarms about potential Iranian influence operations inside the United States. Lawmakers pointed to connections between certain American Islamic centers and the Alavi Foundation, an organization that has faced years of litigation over accusations it operates on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The Islamic House of Wisdom’s imam, Mohammad Ali Elahi, was specifically mentioned in that letter. According to publicly available intelligence reporting cited by lawmakers:
- Elahi previously served as the head of “political ideology” for Iran’s Navy in the 1980s.
- He has claimed close friendships with former Iranian presidents.
- He has reportedly maintained frequent contact with senior Iranian officials since moving to the United States.
The same congressional communication referenced a report from the George Washington University Program on Extremism describing the Islamic House of Wisdom as a significant distributor of messaging aligned with Tehran’s views.
The Manassas mosque was also reported to have received approximately $200,000 from the Alavi Foundation. In addition, reports have alleged the mosque received valuable relics from Iran. Images purportedly taken inside the facility have shown displays of Iranian Revolutionary Guard “martyrs,” Iranian national symbols, and even a life-size cutout of Khamenei.
National Security Questions Remain
The situation raises serious concerns about foreign influence and ideological loyalty within American institutions. While Americans cherish religious liberty, many are asking how houses of worship on U.S. soil can openly mourn and celebrate the leader of a regime that has spent decades chanting “Death to America,” funding terror groups, and threatening our allies.
Neither mosque responded to requests for comment prior to publication.
As federal authorities remain on heightened alert amid ongoing tensions with Iran, the episode underscores a sobering reality: the battle for America’s security is not just overseas — it may also be playing out within our own borders.
