Critics of the regime say the lack of public appearances raises questions about who is actually directing Iran’s government.
A source familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that the assessments are that although Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the war he remains capable of carrying out his duties and managing state affairs as Iran’s new supreme leader.
Iranian state television reported on Monday that Mojtaba had been wounded, though the broadcast did not provide details about the circumstances of the injury or its severity. The report also did not indicate when the injury occurred or whether it affected his day-to-day responsibilities.
Despite earlier assurances from Iranian officials and state media, no photograph or video of the newly installed supreme leader has yet been released, fueling speculation among observers and opposition groups.
A man holds a placard with an image of Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei with late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a gathering to support Mojtaba Khamenei, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Mojtaba’s lack of appearances raises questions
Critics of the regime say the lack of public appearances raises questions about who is actually directing Iran’s government. Figures within the Iranian opposition claim that another senior figure within the regime may be exercising real authority, while Mojtaba serves primarily as a symbolic or representative leader.
Mojtaba is the son of Iran’s longtime supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and has long been considered one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in Iranian politics. Although he held no formal government position for years, analysts have widely believed that he wielded significant influence within Iran’s political and security establishment.
