Where is Khamenei? Iran’s silent crisis at the top

The crisis in West Asia has settled down, with Israel and Iran not blowing up missiles against each other since June 24 (Tuesday). But where is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid all of these major developments? The leader has largely been out of the public eye since earlier this week when he commented on the US joining the conflict.

Khamenei has not said a word on the ceasefire agreement “brokered” by US President Donald Trump. Iranians are increasingly confused and alarmed by the prolonged public absence of Khamenei, with no official update from the regime.

Khamenei took shelter in a secret bunker two weeks ago after Israel began bombing Iran, which killed several leaders in key leadership positions. His close aide was also reportedly injured in the attacks. However, two days after the ceasefire went into effect, questions about when Khamenei will resurface have baffled observers and supporters.

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‘Is he okay?’

Iranians are concerned about the supreme leader’s whereabouts. The host of Iran’s state TV, earlier this week, posed a question to the regime on behalf of citizens of the country, asking, “People are very worried about the supreme leader. Can you tell us how he is?”

An official from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office replied, “We should all be praying. The people who are responsible for protecting the supreme leader are doing their job well. God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing.”

Hamzeh Safavi, a political analyst and son of General Yahya Safavi, an IRGC commander and senior military adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei, said Iranian security officials suspect Israel may still attempt to assassinate Khamenei, even under a cease-fire. As a result, he said, they are implementing strict security measures, including severely restricting him from outside contact.

Khamenei’s supporters are so worried that they have been posting on social media that Iran cannot feel the true essence of victory from the “12-day war” until they hear from their supreme leader.

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‘Mental breakdown’

Meanwhile, a report by Iran International suggests that the 86-year-old supreme leader is being barred from decision-making processes as he is suffering from a mental and physical breakdown after hearing the news of several high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) dying in Israeli attacks.

Sources told the news outlet that signs of mental decline were noted in Khamenei as the reports of death took a toll on him, following which a decision was made to deem him unfit to lead the nation at the time of crisis.

As the conflict intensified, insiders say members of the Supreme National Security Council and top military commanders jointly decided to gradually sideline Khamenei from day-to-day strategic planning, particularly in matters of national security.

Who is leading Iran now?

With Khamenei reportedly sidelined, power appears to have shifted to Iran’s military and intelligence leadership. Senior commanders in the IRGC and the Supreme National Security Council are now believed to be directing key strategies, from responding to Israeli attacks to managing internal security.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son and likely successor, is also said to be playing a central role in overseeing these decisions. While the Iranian government has remained silent, analysts say the lack of updates on Khamenei’s condition lends credibility to these reports.