New Supreme Leader of Iran Addresses Nation, But Without a Live Appearance

Iranian state media recently aired what they claimed was the inaugural speech of the country’s new supreme leader, although viewers never actually saw him speak on camera. Instead, a newscaster relayed Mojtaba Khamenei’s remarks while a static image was displayed on screen, as reported by NPR. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Tasnim News Agency also released an English version of the address.

The statement emphasized a commitment to blockading the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that Iranian forces would continue to target U.S. military bases in the region. It notably clarified that these actions would focus on U.S. infrastructure rather than neighboring nations. Interestingly, since Mojtaba’s appointment, no concrete evidence of his well-being has surfaced, according to the Washington Examiner.

The new Ayatollah reportedly sustained injuries, including a broken leg and facial bruises, during the initial Israeli bombardment that resulted in his father’s death, as stated by a source. Following the loss of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a strike on February 28, Mojtaba was appointed to his current position by Iran’s Council of Experts on March 8. Reports indicate that his mother, sister, and wife also perished in the same attack.

Beni Sabti from the Israel Institute for National Security Studies suggested that the Iranian government might be portraying Khamenei’s injuries as a form of propaganda, dubbing him a “veteran of the Ramadan war.” He added that Khamenei probably lacks genuine authority, stating, “I don’t think he’s actually running Iran,” and expressed that the nation is likely being governed by senior officials from his father’s era.

The ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Israeli coalition and Iran has now entered its 13th day. Khamenei’s alleged remarks referenced a tragic bombing on March 1 that targeted a girls’ school in Minab, leading to the reported deaths of at least 165 individuals, including children. The U.S. military is currently probing the circumstances surrounding the incident, which preliminary investigations may attribute to U.S. forces, according to the New York Times.

To manage Khamenei’s absence from public view, Iranian state media has been utilizing archival videos and AI-generated images, as mentioned by CNN. Despite not being officially elected or appointed back in 2019, Mojtaba expressed his appreciation for serving as his father’s representative.