Max Blumenthal with Prof Seyed Mohammad Marandi: Going to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral & discussing the importance of Khamenei & Iran
by The Grayzone [7-6-2026] Seyed Mohammad Marandi(bio).
(RAD: In this excellent discussion, we not only learn a lot about Iran, we also gain more respet for how important Ali Khameini has been to the religious, political & military evolution of Iran. His influence willl be felt for generations to come. Listen & learn. — RAD)
Max Blumenthal (born December 18, 1977) is an American journalist, author, blogger, and filmmaker known for his critical reporting on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, US politics, and the Syrian civil war. He is the founder and editor of The Grayzone, a news website described by critics as fringe for its criticism of US foreign policy and its positive coverage of governments such as those in Russia, China, and Syria.
Blumenthal was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to journalist Sidney Blumenthal, who served as an aide to President Bill Clinton, and Jacqueline Jordan. He is Jewish and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999 with a degree in history. He is married to Anya Parampil (m. 2020) and has a sibling named Paul Blumenthal.
His career includes writing for The Nation, The Daily Beast, Al Jazeera English, and The New York Times. He has authored four books, including the bestsellers Republican Gomorrah (2009) and Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel (2013), the latter of which won the 2014 Lannan Foundation Cultural Freedom Award. He also produced the documentary Killing Gaza (2018). His work has frequently sparked controversy, including allegations regarding his reporting on the Syrian government and his affiliations with state-funded media outlets like RT and Sputnik.
The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal joins Prof. Mohammad Marandi on his trip to Tehran's Mosalla to pay respects to Sayyed Ali Khameini. The public mourning which began on July 4th for the martyred Iranian leader comprises the largest funeral in human history. Marandi analyzes the significance of Khameini's life and legacy, and discusses his role in forging the Islamic Republic.