Critics of the regime say the lack of public appearances raises questions about who is actually leading the Iranian government.
An insider revealed jerusalem post The assessment believes that although Khamenei was injured in the war, he is still capable of performing his duties and managing national affairs as Iran’s new supreme leader.
Iranian state television reported on Monday that Mojtaba was injured, but gave no details on the nature or severity of the injury. The report also did not say when the injury occurred or whether it affected his daily duties.
Despite earlier assurances from Iranian officials and state media, no photos or videos of the newly installed supreme leader have been released, fueling speculation among observers and opposition groups.
A man holds a placard with the portraits of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the late Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Mojtaba Khamenei amid the conflict between the United States and Israel on March 9, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)
Mojitaba’s absence from game raises questions
Critics of the regime say the lack of public appearances raises questions about who is actually leading the Iranian government. Iranian opposition insiders claim that another senior figure within the regime may be wielding real power, while Mojtaba serves mainly as a symbolic or representative leader.
Mojtaba, the son of Iran’s longtime Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has long been considered one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Iranian politics. Although he has not held a formal government position in years, analysts generally believe that he wields significant influence within Iran’s political and security establishment.