A diplomatic note, reportedly based on US and Israeli intelligence and shared with Gulf allies, states that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated long-serving leader Ali Khamenei, is in an unconscious state.
The note, cited by The Times, claims he is being treated for a “serious” health problem, related to the wounds suffered in the February 28th strikes that killed his father, rendering him unable to participate in any regime decision-making process.
The document also reveals his location: the city of Qom, approximately 140 kilometers south of Tehran, which is considered the seat of Shia religious authority.
According to the same document, the body of Ali Khamenei is also being prepared for burial in Qom.
The claims have not, as of yet, been independently verified.
A large mausoleum under construction in Qom
Intelligence services reportedly identified preparations for the construction of a large mausoleum in Qom, “for more than one grave,” suggesting that other family members, possibly including Mojtaba himself, could be buried there.
Information about the younger Khamenei’s whereabouts is believed to have been known for some time by US and Israeli agencies, but had not been made public until now. The US National Security Agency has been asked to comment on the note, as has the Iranian mission in Washington.
Iran has confirmed that the new Supreme Leader was wounded in the same airstrike that killed his father, mother, wife, and one of his sons on the first day of the war that has since destabilized the region.
Mojtaba Khamenei has neither appeared nor spoken publicly since the war began, despite having been selected as successor in early March.
Since then, two statements attributed to him were broadcast by Iranian state television, and an AI-generated video was aired showing him analyzing a military map.
The absence of any audio recording reinforces reports that he remains in critical condition.
Despite Iranian authorities’ assurances that the new leader is “performing his duties normally,” opposition sources speak of a coma, while other sources refer to serious injuries.
Who is really exercising power in Iran?
His alleged inability to govern raises questions about who is actually in control in Iran, with some believing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps holds effective power.
Donald Trump has stated that he is negotiating with Iranian officials, while making clear he is not speaking with the Supreme Leader.
Meanwhile, the funeral of Ali Khamenei continues to be delayed, a notable development, since Shia tradition calls for prompt burial. Wednesday marks 40 days since his death, a milestone signaling the end of the mourning period.
It is not clear whether Qom will be the final burial site, given concerns about possible attacks on public ceremonies. In any case, the funeral is expected to be very different from that of his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, when approximately 10 million people gathered in Tehran.
