The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen or heard from publicly since the war
By Bernie,
The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen or heard from publicly since the war began, fueling growing speculation about his condition. U.S. intelligence presented to President Trump indicates that the late Ali Khamenei had doubts about his son's fitness to lead, viewing him as "not very brilliant" and lacking the necessary skills, CBS News reports citing multiple sources. The intelligence also referenced unspecified "problems in his son's personal life" that concerned the elder Khamenei.
Trump told NBC over the weekend that he is unsure whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive. "I don't know if he's even alive. So far, nobody has been able to show him," Trump said, adding that he has heard the new leader "is not alive" but cautioned it was a rumor. In private conversations, Trump has told associates he believes Iran is effectively leaderless.
Israeli assessments have so far indicated that Khamenei was only lightly wounded in the opening strike that killed his father on February 28. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied the claims today, stating the supreme leader is in good health and fully managing the country's affairs. Khamenei's first official statement, issued Thursday, was read by a state television presenter rather than delivered by him directly.
Topics: Iran
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