Tehran – 06.06.2026: Since Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his physical presence in public has been absent. Instead, his portraits are present everywhere on the streets of Tehran and other cities, and state media regularly disseminate written messages from him. This practice has sparked speculation about his health and actual level of power.
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 active family and in 1987, at the age of 18, joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, where he served during the Iran-Iraq war. After the war, he studied theology at the seminary in Qom under the guidance of his father and Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. Despite his religious education, his official rank remained Hojjat al-Islam, a middle clerical title, sparking debate in Iranian society.
On March 8, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran after his father died in the early days of the Israeli-American air strikes on February 28, 2026. This decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, consisting of 88 members, who, according to the constitution, are responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader.
Despite his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since. Instead, his portraits have been hung on the streets of Tehran and other cities, and state media regularly disseminate written messages from him. This practice has sparked speculation about his health and actual power. Reports indicate he was injured during the air strikes, but there is no exact information about his condition.
The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei in the public sphere has raised doubts about the legitimacy of his leadership. Critics argue that his appointment was made more on the basis of family ties than personal merits. Supporters emphasize the need to ensure continuity of leadership in the country, 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 confirmed their support for Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader and stressed the necessity of maintaining national unity.
In the coming weeks, additional information about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and future plans is expected to be published. Observers will closely monitor how Iran’s political landscape develops under his leadership.