What happened to Mojtaba Khamenei? ‘Brain-dead’ claim emerges as Iran leader stays hidden

Nearly six months after becoming Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen, heard, or photographed, leading to speculation that he may already be deceased. Following his father's death in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, Mojtaba inherited the position of Supreme Leader. Despite not appearing in any public appearances, including his father's funeral, rumors of his demise have started to circulate.

No pictures, videos, or audio recordings of Mojtaba exist since his ascension to power. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed he has not encountered Mojtaba since his leadership change. A former official and relative of Mojtaba stated that fewer than five people have been granted access to him due to security precautions.

This lack of communication may be due to security concerns, as Mojtaba could be an easy target for potential Israeli or US airstrikes. He has reportedly been communicating with senior officials through intermediaries to minimize the risk of being targeted. Growing silence from his office has triggered rumors of his death, with even Iran's own media reporting on the speculation.

Despite the rumors, some officials insist that Mojtaba is alive and in good health. Iran's government continues to grapple with the consequences of his absence, as the Supreme Leader traditionally plays a crucial role in addressing disputes within the government. The ongoing war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have further complicated the situation, with thousands of sailors stranded and limited ship traffic.