As the month-long battle between the United States, Israel, and Iran comes to an end, the world has yet to witness new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. While the Ayatollah has issued numerous remarks and messages, he has yet to appear in public.
Amid reports that the Iranian leader is in Russia receiving treatment for injuries received during the joint US-Israeli strikes, Moscow’s envoy has confirmed that Mojtaba is in Iran. Russia’s envoy to Iran told local media that Mojtaba Khamenei is in the country but “is refraining from making public appearances for understandable reasons.”
Mojtaba succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was slain when Israel and the United States launched their assault on Iran on February 28. The United States has also reported that the Supreme Leader was severely injured and “likely disfigured.” US President Donald Trump has also suggested on multiple occasions that the Supreme Leader could have been murdered in the attacks. However, Tehran has refuted the claim.
Earlier this month, Iran’s envoy to Moscow dismissed allegations that Khamenei had been transported to Russia for medical treatment for injuries sustained during the US and Israeli war on Tehran. With Khamenei still not seen in public, espionage agencies such as the CIA and Mossad have reportedly maintained their search for the Supreme Leader.
The US is also keeping an eye on Russia’s position in the US-Iran conflict, according to defense secretary Pete Hegseth, who spoke at a briefing Tuesday. While Moscow has disputed accusations of assisting Iran, Hegseth stated, “We know exactly what Russia and China are doing with Iran. We are addressing the issue.”
A month into the fight, and there appears to be no chance of a ceasefire anytime soon. Despite Washington’s claim that talks with Iran are “gaining strength,” Iran continues to deny any negotiations with the US. Furthermore, despite Trump’s announcement that assaults on Iranian oil infrastructure and power plants will be paused until April 6, the US struck the Iranian city of Isfahan on Tuesday morning with a 960kg bunker buster bomb.
