Tehran – 06.06.2026: Since the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader in March 2026 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his physical presence in public has been absent. Instead, his portraits are ubiquitous on the streets of Tehran and other cities, and state media regularly distribute written messages from him. This practice has led to speculation about his health and actual power status.
Mojtaba Khamenei, born on September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, is the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He grew up in a politically engaged family and joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1987 at the age of 18, serving during the Iran-Iraq war. After the war, he studied theology at the Qom seminary under the guidance of his father and Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. Despite his religious education, his official rank remains Hojjat al-Islam, a mid-level clerical rank, which has sparked discussions within Iranian society.
On March 8, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was elected the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Assembly of Experts, after his father passed away in the early days of Israeli-American airstrikes on February 28, 2026. This decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, a body consisting of 88 members constitutionally responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader.
Despite his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances since then. Instead, his portraits have been installed in the streets of Tehran and other cities, and state media regularly disseminate written statements from him. This has led to speculation about his health condition and actual power position. Reports suggest that he was injured during the airstrikes, but no precise information about his condition is available.
The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei in public has raised questions about the legitimacy of his leadership. Critics argue that his appointment was based on family connections rather than his own merits. Supporters, however, emphasize the need for continuity in the country’s leadership, especially given the current geopolitical tensions.
Despite the speculation, the Iranian government remains stable, and the country’s political and military institutions continue to function. The Assembly of Experts and other state bodies have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader and stressed that national unity must be maintained.
In the coming weeks, it is expected that further information about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health condition and his future plans will be released. Observers will closely follow how the political landscape in Iran develops under his leadership.