Where is Mojtaba Khamenei? Is Iran’s new supreme leader injured or in hiding?

The sudden leadership transition in Iran following the death of long-time supreme leader Ali Khamenei has raised a series of questions about the future of the Islamic Republic and the man chosen to lead it.

His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named the country’s next supreme leader only days after the elder Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike.

Yet nearly four days after the announcement of his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly, addressed the nation through video, or issued even a written message. The absence of any direct communication from Iran’s new leader has generated curiosity about his condition and his location.

At the same time, the political dynamics behind his rise to power — particularly the role played by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — have also come under the lens. Senior Iranian sources say the IRGC strongly supported his selection, viewing him as someone likely to support their hardline agenda.

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Reports also suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, which Iranian authorities refer to as the “Ramadan War.”

Is Mojtaba Khamenei injured?

Iranian authorities refer to the confrontation with the United States and Israel as the “Ramadan War,” and state media coverage has repeatedly used language implying that the new leader was injured during the fighting.

Iran’s state television described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “Jaanbaz of Ramadan,” a phrase that translates roughly as an “injured war veteran.”

However, these broadcasts did not provide additional information about the nature or severity of his reported injuries. Some reports suggest that he may have been injured in the same wave of US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, though no independent confirmation has been provided.

Even if the injuries were minor, they could explain the absence of a public address or appearance during the first days of his leadership. Nevertheless, the lack of even a written statement from his office has continued to fuel speculation.

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Why does Mojtaba Khamenei owe his allegiance to IRGC?

The leadership vacuum in Tehran emerged after Ali Khamenei was killed during a joint strike carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Within days of his death, the constitutional body responsible for selecting the country’s supreme leader, the Assembly of Experts, convened to determine his successor.

The Assembly is composed of 88 clerics who are elected for eight-year terms and tasked with appointing and supervising the supreme leader. According to reports, the Assembly met in the religious city of Qom to conduct the vote that ultimately elevated Mojtaba Khamenei to the position.

Although the Assembly of Experts formally appoints the supreme leader, senior Iranian sources told Reuters that the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the succession process.

According to these sources, the Guards supported Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation and pushed for his appointment despite reservations from some political and clerical figures within the Iranian establishment.

Already one of the most influential institutions in the country, the Guards have expanded their power in recent years and reportedly gained even greater influence following the outbreak of the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Sources said some pragmatic voices in Iran’s political and religious leadership initially expressed concern about Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment. These concerns reportedly delayed the public announcement of the decision by several hours.

Several insiders told Reuters that the Guards viewed Mojtaba Khamenei as a figure likely to continue his father’s policies while remaining receptive to their strategic priorities. However, some insiders believe that the younger Khamenei may not have the same authority or political experience to manage those competing forces.

Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC described this dynamic by noting that Mojtaba Khamenei’s position may be closely tied to the support he received from the military establishment.

“Mojtaba owes his position to the Revolutionary Guards and as such he is not going to be as supreme as his father was.” he told Reuters.

Where is Mojtaba Khamenei?

Nearly four days after his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei remains unseen. State media has instead relied on older video recordings and photographs when discussing his appointment.

In some cases, official propaganda networks have also used artificially generated visuals to present a carefully crafted image of the new leader.

One of the most visible examples of this narrative is a mural displayed in Tehran’s Vali Asr Square. The artwork shows Mojtaba Khamenei receiving the Iranian flag from his father while Ruhollah Khomeini — the revolutionary figure who established the Islamic Republic in 1979 — looks on approvingly.

At the same time, the symbolism has drawn attention to an apparent contradiction. The Islamic Republic emerged from a revolution that overthrew Iran’s monarchy and rejected hereditary rule. The transfer of power from father to son has therefore raised questions about the nature of the succession.

Officials across the country have issued statements pledging loyalty to the new leader, and the government has encouraged citizens to gather in public spaces to express their allegiance. Large crowds assembled in Tehran in response to these calls, participating in events designed to demonstrate public support for Mojtaba Khamenei.

Security considerations are also believed to be influencing Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from public view. Following the assassination of his father, Iranian authorities may be taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of the new leader.

Reports suggest that an elite Iranian counterterrorism unit has been assigned to protect him. According to information cited by Fox News Digital, the force known as NOPO has been tasked with providing security for Mojtaba Khamenei.

The unit, which was formed in 1991, specialises in operations such as hostage rescue missions.

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With inputs from agencies