Missing, silent, and now ‘incapacitated’: What’s happening to Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei?

Memo claims ‘Khamenei unable to take regime decsions’

The memo states that “Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision making by the regime”.

It also indicates that preparations are underway in Qom for the burial of Ali Khamenei, describing efforts to lay the groundwork for a large mausoleum. The reference to “more than one grave” has raised the possibility that other family members – and potentially Mojtaba himself – could be buried at the site.

While US and Israeli intelligence agencies are believed to have known of Mojtaba Khamenei’s location for some time, this information had not previously been disclosed publicly.

The US National Security Agency and Iran’s diplomatic representation in Washington, which operates from the Pakistani embassy, have both been approached regarding the memo.

According to The New York Times, Iranian officials had confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in the legs in the same airstrike that killed his father, along with his mother, his wife Zahra Haddad-Adel, and one of his sons, on the opening day of the conflict.

He has not been seen or heard from since the war began, despite being named his father’s successor in early March.

Since then, only statements attributed to the 56-year-old Ayotollah aired by Iranian media are doing the rounds. The absence of any verified audio recording has added to speculation about his condition.

Pezeshkian not allowed to meet Khameini

Although Iranian officials maintain that the new Supreme Leader remains in control, earlier reports have hinted at health concerns. Opposition groups have said he is in a coma, while others claim he sustained facial injuries and a broken leg.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has also reportedly been prevented from meeting the Supreme Leader. Moreover, his decisions on governance and key appointments are reportedly being overturned by the IRGC.

Khamenei’s reported condition has, thus, raised questions about his authority in Iran’s system where the supreme leader holds ultimate political and religious power. It has also fuelled speculation that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be exercising effective control, with Khamenei serving as a figurehead.

US President Donald Trump has said he is in talks with other Iranian officials, but noted that he is not engaging directly with the Supreme Leader. Although, Iran has consistently refuted the claim.