Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly unconscious and undergoing treatment in Qom, according to an intelligence assessment cited by The Times and reported by News 18. The development has raised fresh concerns about Iran's leadership structure amid the ongoing conflict.
Intelligence memo flags serious condition
A diplomatic memo, reportedly based on US and Israeli intelligence and shared with Gulf allies, states that Khamenei is in a "severe" medical condition and unable to perform his duties.
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"Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime," the memo reads, according to the report cited by News 18.
The memo also identifies Qom, a key religious centre in Shia Islam, as the location of his treatment, marking the first time his whereabouts have been disclosed publicly.
Burial preparations for Ali Khamenei
The same document reportedly observed groundwork activity in Qom for constructing a large mausoleum following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike at the start of the war.
The site is believed to accommodate more than one grave, with suggestions that additional members of the Khamenei family, and possibly Mojtaba himself, could be buried there.
Limited appearances since succession
Since being named Supreme Leader in early March, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly. Reports indicate that only two statements attributed to him have been broadcast on Iranian state television.
An AI-generated video, allegedly showing him reviewing a map of Israel's Dimona nuclear facility, was also released, but no verified footage of him speaking has surfaced.
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On March 30, he issued a written message thanking Ali Sistani and the people of Iraq for their support during the war.
The lack of public visibility has raised questions about who is currently leading Iran. Reports from the Associated Press suggest that military units, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, may be operating without a clear central command.
Reuters also cited Russia's ambassador to Iran as saying that Khamenei remains in the country but is avoiding public appearances "for understandable reasons".
