Iran: Senior Official’s Daughter’s Wedding Video Sparks Social Media Debate

A video of the wedding of the daughter of Ali Shamkhani—former Defense Minister and close advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei—has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread surprise and criticism.

The footage shows Shamkhani entering the wedding hall hand-in-hand with his daughter, walking through a shower of flowers toward the stage. On stage, the groom and his family are present, and after group photos are taken, Shamkhani exits the venue.

In a country like Iran, where strict laws govern women’s dress and mandatory hijab, the bride’s Western-style outfit and lack of head covering shocked many online viewers. Her attire revealed parts of the body that are typically expected to be covered under local regulations.

Given that the bride is the daughter of a high-ranking official who held key positions for years, the incident has become even more sensitive. Many social media users called it a clear contradiction—ordinary women face punishment for not wearing the hijab, while influential families allow their daughters to wear Western clothing freely.

Some users described the event as contrary to Iranian cultural and religious claims, questioning whether such standards are merely symbolic. One user commented that the same actions for which ordinary girls are punished are being celebrated when done by daughters of powerful families.