Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Hidden Amid Leadership Uncertainty After Supreme Leader’s Death

A senior Iranian delegation attended the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent. Since his father’s assassination on February 28, Mojtaba, 56, has not appeared publicly or spoken, communicating only through written statements that do not clarify his condition. Reports indicate he was severely injured early in the ongoing war, suffering facial burns, and has been hiding in a secure location due to fears of Israeli assassination attempts or surveillance.

During the funeral ceremonies in Tehran, crowds chanted slogans against the US and Israel and expressed support for Mojtaba, but he did not appear. He also missed a memorial for his late wife, who was killed alongside their son in an airstrike during the "Tiger Roar" military operation. Mojtaba has requested to attend the burial ceremony scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, his father’s birthplace, but Iranian security officials have so far denied this due to security concerns.

The New York Times reports that Mojtaba’s absence has intensified internal power struggles within Iran’s ruling elite. The factions are divided between pragmatic conservatives, including senior Revolutionary Guard generals, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Supreme National Security Council head Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, and hardline conservatives loyal to Mojtaba. The pragmatic camp has gained influence, pushing for direct negotiations with the US and broader agreements.

Public disputes have erupted, including interruptions of Qalibaf’s interviews and increased state media attacks on negotiation teams. Four senior Iranian officials and two Revolutionary Guard members told the Times that a fierce battle for Ayatollah support is underway, determining Iran’s future direction. The decision-making process appears to have shifted, with generals effectively running the country and the Supreme Leader’s role becoming more consultative.

Economic pressures, including a US naval blockade threatening food and medicine supplies by August, have influenced Mojtaba’s cautious stance on agreements. After warnings from the central bank governor and threats of resignation from President Pezeshkian, Mojtaba reluctantly backed a deal contingent on the Supreme National Security Council’s approval. Upcoming key appointments in the judiciary, state media, Basij militia, and his own office will signal which faction he ultimately supports.