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Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has stepped into the role of Iran’s new supreme leader following the tragic assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a pivotal figure in Iranian politics.
Reports from the New York Times, citing Israeli intelligence sources, indicate that Mojtaba sustained injuries to both legs on the day his father was killed, raising concerns about his health and safety during a time of escalating regional conflict.
Since assuming power on Sunday, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances, prompting widespread speculation about his condition and whereabouts.
Iranian state television has characterised him as a “wounded veteran” of the ongoing conflict, suggesting that he is grappling with both physical injuries and the immense pressures of leadership.
According to officials, although he remains alert and aware of the current political landscape, he is sheltering in a highly secure, undisclosed location with limited means of communication, effectively cutting him off from public view.
The increasing peril surrounding Mojtaba is underscored by the brutal actions of Israel, which has been involved in targeted strikes against prominent Iranian figures.
Reports indicate that during these strikes in Tehran on the very first day of the ongoing war, Israel killed his wife, Zahra Haddad-Adel, and one of their sons. These tragic losses have added a personal layer to the political tensions at play.
Additionally, the situation has been compounded by provocative remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who ominously warned that Mojtaba would not enjoy peace and urged Iran to brace itself for “death, fire, and fury.”
Such statements contribute to the already high-voltage atmosphere and indicate the potential for further escalations in hostilities.
Mojtaba’s injuries may provide insight into his current public absence. Still, analysts suggest that he is also intentionally avoiding exposure to Israeli and U.S. intelligence efforts, which have intensified in light of recent developments.
The confluence of his personal circumstances and the broader geopolitical landscape highlights the growing dangers in Tehran as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify and evolve.
Parham Ghobadi, from BBC’s Persian service, said he “has taken the most dangerous job in the world because the Americans and Israelis have vowed to target the next leader, saying the next leader of Iran is going to be a legitimate target for assassination.
He added: “There have been rumours around him that he is going to be the next leader since the protests in 2009, people were chanting in the streets “Mojtaba, we hope you die. You’ll never become the next leader.
“So the rumours were there for decades that he’d be the next leader… But overall, he’s a shadow.
“Now the person who has never been officially in charge has suddenly consumed power and become the next leader of Iran at such a critical time.”
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