Iranian President Confirms Direct Contact with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Amid Speculation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a recent interview with Arab media that he maintains direct and increasing communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. This claim appears to address widespread rumors about Khamenei's status, as he has not been seen publicly since the outbreak of the war in late February. Despite Pezeshkian's assurances, facts on the ground suggest otherwise, with many speculating that Mojtaba was killed early in the conflict during joint Israeli and U.S. strikes that also killed his father, Ali Khamenei.

Since the war began, Mojtaba has remained out of public view, communicating only through written statements without appearing in person or using his voice. Iranian opposition activists, including a popular X account named "Siakers," have propagated theories that Mojtaba is either severely injured or deceased, and that the regime uses his persona to maintain internal stability. These theories intensified after the funeral of Ali Khamenei, held earlier this month, where many expected Mojtaba to appear but he did not.

Contrasting these rumors, Middle East analyst Yoni Ben-Menachem told Channel 14 News that cabinet ministers were updated that Mojtaba is alive and remains in Iran. He cautioned against accepting unverified media reports from the Middle East, suggesting some may be attempts to extract intelligence through misinformation. The conflicting narratives highlight ongoing uncertainty about the true condition and role of Iran's Supreme Leader amid the current conflict.