As the US and Iran engage in ceasefire negotiations, the whereabouts of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has come into focus. Fresh reports over the weekend have revealed that the 56-year-old, the son of former supremo Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been severely injured in American strikes, but continues to play a key role behind the scenes.
Mojtaba Khamenei recovering from injuries
Reuters cited sources to report that Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries sustained in the airstrike that killed his father. Sources close to his inner circle said his face was disfigured and that he suffered significant damage to one or both legs, though he remains mentally sharp and actively engaged in decision-making.
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Where is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Despite not appearing publicly since the strike, the 56-year-old is reportedly participating in meetings via audio conferencing and remains involved in key issues, including war strategy and negotiations with Washington. His absence from public view has fueled intense speculation, with no verified photos, videos or audio recordings released since his appointment on March 8.
On social media, the uncertainty has triggered widespread discussion and conspiracy theories. One viral image shows an empty chair under a spotlight with the caption: “Where is Mojtaba?”
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Officials and analysts suggest security concerns may be driving his continued absence. “Why should he appear in public? To become a target for these criminals?” Mohammad Hosseini said.
There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities about the extent of his injuries.
Pete Hegseth backs claims
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated that Khamenei was ‘wounded and likely disfigured’, while one source familiar with American intelligence assessments told Reuters he may have lost a leg. Iran’s state media has referred to him as a ‘janbaz’, a term used for those severely wounded in war.
US-Iran ceasefire update
The reports come at a critical moment, as delegations from Iran and the US convened in Islamabad for the highest-level talks between the two nations since the 1979 revolution. Vice President JD Vance, alongside Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is leading the American delegation.
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According to Axios, Mojtaba Khamenei played a key role in approving Tehran’s participation in a two-week ceasefire, though those claims have not been independently verified.
In his first statement after taking office, the new supreme leader wrote that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed. Analysts say that even if Khamenei recovers physically, consolidating authority may take time.
Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute, as per Reuters, noted: “Mojtaba will be one voice but it will not be the decisive one.”
He added, “He needs to prove himself as the credible, powerful, overriding voice. The regime as a whole has to make a decision in terms of where they are going to go.”
