Israel says Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded, in Iran and managed by IRGC

Nearly five months after being wounded in the opening strike of Operation Lion's Roar, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains a ghost-like figure at the apex of the Islamic Republic, with Israeli officials now pushing back on reports that he fled the country while acknowledging his growing dependence on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel Rejects Reports of Flight, Confirms Weakness

Israeli security officials said over the weekend that Khamenei remains inside Iran, rejecting intelligence reports circulating last week that suggested the 56-year-old leader had fled the country. "He is wounded, he is alive and he continues to give orders," one Israeli official said. "In Iran, they are still waiting for his position and his instructions."theyeshivaworld+1

But the same official painted a picture of a leader in name only. "Mojtaba is in Iran. He is wounded and is a very weak figure who is being managed by Vahidi. They are deliberately building a sense of mystery around him, but the truth is that Vahidi writes everything for him," the official said, referring to IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi. Israel's central assessment is that Khamenei remains inside Iran and still participates in decisions, but that his personal authority has weakened as the Revolutionary Guard tightens its grip over the regime.jewishnews+1

Araghchi's Admission Deepens Mystery

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added to the uncertainty surrounding Khamenei's status on Sunday when he told Iran's Mehr news agency that he has never met the supreme leader in person. "Only a very small number of people have met with him," Araghchi said. He added that he has never communicated directly with Khamenei — "only indirectly, from what I've heard from others."news18+1

The admission was striking given Araghchi's central role in ongoing diplomatic negotiations. In June, Araghchi had insisted that Khamenei has "full control of affairs" and that communication with him remains "continuous," attributing his absence to security concerns.iranintl

From Supreme Leader to Figurehead

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched Operation Lion's Roar, killing his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and wounding Mojtaba in the same strike. He was announced as supreme leader on March 9 by the Assembly of Experts. Reports on the severity of his injuries have ranged from a fractured foot and facial cuts to severe facial burns and possible leg amputation.nytimes+4

Analysts have for months described a power shift toward Vahidi and the IRGC generals. "Mojtaba is subservient to the Revolutionary Guards," Ali Vaez, Iran director of the International Crisis Group, said in April. The New York Times reported that Khamenei delegates authority to IRGC generals who now dominate wartime strategy and diplomacy. For now, Iran's supreme leader remains wounded, isolated, and increasingly a figurehead for a military apparatus that elevated him to power.nypost+2