Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, missed his rally in Tehran on Monday, leading supporters to pay tribute to cardboard cutouts of him instead.
Speculation has arisen regarding his health, with whispers that he might have suffered serious injuries as a result of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Khamenei hasn’t made a public appearance since the onset of the conflict. This isn’t entirely surprising, considering that he’s always been somewhat of a reclusive figure, especially given the risks of becoming a target if his location is known. Yet, during a period where Iran’s government is under intense pressure to demonstrate resilience against ongoing bombings, his complete absence—even from a pre-recorded message—raises eyebrows.
Khosro Isfahani, an Iranian opposition analyst at the National League for Democracy, remarked, “They are either in a hospital, shaken up after witnessing their father’s demise, or they’re hiding out in the most secure bunker possible,” reflecting on the conditions of the new leader.
Isfahani went on to label Mojtaba as lacking charisma, jokingly comparing him to “a boiled potato.” He suggested that Khamenei mainly serves as a front for powerful figures like Ali Larijani and Mohammad Ghalibaf, who seem to prefer to remain in the shadows while Mojtaba takes center stage.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who is 56, has no executive experience or previous roles in government. His life has mostly been tied to an Islamic seminary, though he’s reportedly held some sway with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Human rights organizations have pointed fingers at him for involvement in fraudulent elections in 2005 and 2009 that led to the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which in turn sparked significant public backlash. He is also accused of orchestrating a brutal response to the Green Movement.
Younger generations might see him as part of the corrupt business empire established by his father, which, despite Khamenei’s claims of living modestly, controls a substantial portion of Iran’s economy.
According to reports from Reuters, Mojtaba was swiftly positioned as the new supreme leader by the Revolutionary Guards, believing he represents a less hardline stance compared to his father. However, this rapid elevation has led many to view it as nepotism—an ironic twist for a regime initially formed in opposition to monarchy.
Concerns about his health have increased due to a lack of public engagement since the onset of military operations. There are fears that he might be a mere figurehead being used by the Revolutionary Guards and that he may have already sustained injuries.
Channel News Asia pointed out that even within their own ranks, there’s an acknowledgment of the irregularities in selecting Mojtaba. Members of the electoral panel revealed he might have received a significant number of votes, but intimidation tactics from the Revolutionary Guards influenced some members’ decisions.
During a recent broadcast on Iranian state television, there were references to Mojtaba’s well-being, as he was referred to by a term usually associated with military personnel injured in combat.
According to anonymous Iranian officials, reports indicate that he was injured at the start of the attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces. Statements suggest he sustained a leg injury but is still “vigilant” and operating from a secure location with limited communication.
Israeli military officials also noted their belief that he has suffered minor injuries but remains active as a leader.
Alireza Salarian, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, confirmed that Mojtaba was hurt during the same assault that resulted in his father’s death and additional family losses at Khamenei’s residence during the first day of military operations.
Salarian expressed frustration that this hasn’t been widely reported abroad, stating, “He was there too and was injured in that shelling.” He added that he had heard Mojtaba suffered injuries to his limbs and seemed to be in a hospital setting.
While Salarian opted not to speculate on whether Mojtaba is fully functional, he did express doubt about the new supreme leader being comfortable enough to deliver a public address.
Yusef Pezeshikian, a government advisor, recently mentioned on social media that he’s heard Mojtaba is injured but currently “safe.”
