Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently unconscious and “unable to be involved in any decision-making,” according to a memo obtained by the Times of London. This follows his injuries sustained in US-Israeli strikes that also killed his father and sparked the ongoing war.
Khamenei’s Condition and Absence
The 56-year-old Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the February 28 strikes, which killed his father, Ali Khamenei, and much of his family. Following the attack, only written statements attributed to him have been released, raising questions about the authenticity of his leadership.
According to the intelligence memo, Khamenei is undergoing medical treatment in the holy city of Qom, located approximately 87 miles south of Tehran. The memo, based on US and Israeli intelligence sources, states: “Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime.”
Conflicting Reports on Khamenei’s Health
Since the attack, reports have varied regarding the severity of Khamenei’s injuries. Some sources claimed he only suffered a fractured foot and minor injuries, while others suggested he was in a coma. His absence has fueled widespread speculation about his health and the stability of the leadership in Iran.
Khamenei’s Written Statements and Claims of Leadership
Despite not being seen in public, Mojtaba Khamenei has allegedly issued orders and written statements that have been broadcast via state media. His first message, posted on March 12, 2024, was a call for retaliation against those responsible for the deaths of his father and others in the attack.
“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” the statement read, adding that the retaliation would extend to all who died at the hands of the enemy, not just his father.
A more recent statement, purportedly from Khamenei on April 1, 2024, vowed to continue supporting anti-American and anti-Israel terrorist groups across the Middle East.
“I firmly declare that the consistent policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in continuing the path of the late Imam and martyred leader, is based on continuing to support the resistance against the Zionist-American enemy,” the statement said.
Leadership in Limbo
Khamenei’s absence and the uncertainty surrounding his health have raised questions about the future leadership of Iran, with many speculating whether he can continue to lead effectively, given his current condition. The Iranian regime’s stability and decision-making power could be in question, depending on how long Khamenei remains incapacitated.
