Uncertainty Surrounds Iranian Leadership as Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Out of Public View
The whereabouts and authority of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remain shrouded in mystery following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28th. Intelligence agencies worldwide, including the CIA and Mossad, are closely monitoring the situation, seeking clarity on the distribution of power within Iran. Khamenei has not made a public appearance since assuming the role on March 9th, fueling speculation about his health, location and control over the country’s leadership.
Nowruz and the Absence of a Public Address
Traditionally, the Iranian Supreme Leader delivers a public message during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Still, on Friday, March 20th, Mojtaba Khamenei released only a written statement, raising further questions. The CIA, Mossad, and other intelligence agencies had specifically monitored the Nowruz celebrations hoping for a public appearance, according to Protothema.
Reports of Injury and Limited Authority
Multiple reports suggest Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in the same attack that killed his father. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated the new Supreme Leader sustained serious injuries. Sources within both the US and Israel believe he is wounded but alive, though his authority is reportedly limited compared to his father’s centralized control. Times Now News reports that real power may currently reside with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Intelligence Gathering and Attempts at Contact
Intelligence agencies are actively working to ascertain who is currently making key decisions within Iran. US officials have indicated that Iranian officials have attempted to arrange face-to-face meetings with Mojtaba Khamenei, but these attempts have been unsuccessful due to heightened security measures. The CIA is reportedly analyzing photos posted on Khamenei’s social media to determine their recency and authenticity, as reported by News18.
Questions About Leadership and Control
A senior Israeli official stated there is no clear evidence that Mojtaba Khamenei is issuing orders, while a US source confirmed there is no confirmation he is fully exercising leadership. Some reports, initially published by Kuwait’s Al Jarida, suggested Khamenei was receiving medical treatment in Russia, a claim denied by the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali. The death of Ali Larijani, allegedly killed in a US-Israeli attack on March 17th, further complicates the picture, with some suggesting he may have been drafting speeches for Khamenei.
The Role of the IRGC
The US and Israel are currently assessing whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is effectively in control of Iran. One US official noted the unusual situation, stating, “We don’t think Iran would bother choosing a deceased person as supreme leader, but at the same time, we also have no evidence that he took over leadership.”