Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader on March 9 following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli airstrike, has not made any public appearance since taking office. His initial statement on March 12 and his Nowruz message on March 20 were both delivered through state media rather than directly by him, adding to growing uncertainty about his condition and role.
Recent reports from US and Israeli media suggest that while Mojtaba is believed to be alive, his actual control over the country remains unclear. Intelligence sources indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may currently be exercising significant influence over Iran’s political and security apparatus, raising questions about whether real authority has shifted away from the Supreme Leader.
Officials cited in reports have stated that Mojtaba may still be physically capable of performing limited duties, despite reportedly being injured in the February 28 airstrike. However, there is no clear evidence that he is actively leading the country. A US official noted that while it is unlikely Iran would appoint a deceased leader, there is still uncertainty over whether Mojtaba is truly in charge.
His continued absence has become a topic of discussion within US intelligence circles, including during briefings to Donald Trump. According to officials, the US national security team is still trying to determine who currently holds effective control in Tehran.
Experts believe that security concerns may be preventing Mojtaba from appearing publicly. Analysts suggest that even releasing a video could reveal the extent of his injuries, which may explain why all communications so far have been indirect. Despite this, his written statements reflect a hardline stance, particularly toward the United States and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with warnings of retaliation and continued restrictions on maritime movement.
His absence also coincides with the killing of several senior Iranian figures in recent strikes, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, further destabilising the leadership structure. Despite these losses, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that the country’s governance remains intact and is not dependent on any single individual.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has reported significant casualties and has expanded its military response by targeting US positions in the region. It has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, warning of potential attacks on vessels passing through it. The situation has heightened concerns about global energy supply disruptions and added to uncertainty over Iran’s internal leadership dynamics.
