Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Iran Keeps Mojtaba Khamenei Hidden Over Security Concerns
Mojtaba Khamenei is described as Iran’s Supreme Leader, but no recent photo or video of him has been released.
Iran’s foreign minister says this is because Mojtaba faces serious security threats.
He said Americans may be trying to harm the leader.
Iranian officials say Mojtaba is still alive and fully in charge.
They say he sends instructions and opinions to government officials.
His messages have sometimes been read on state television instead of shown in person.
Reports say he was injured in an earlier attack and later survived another strike near a hospital.
Other reports have questioned whether he is fully involved in running Iran.
Iranian officials reject those claims and say the country’s leadership is united.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said security concerns explain the absence of proof of life.
Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly became Iran’s Supreme Leader in March after his father was killed.
Iran says Mojtaba remains in full control and continues issuing orders and opinions.
Mojtaba has appeared publicly only through written statements read by Iranian state media.
A New York Post report said he survived a second strike while receiving hospital treatment.
- Who
- Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s reported Supreme Leader, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- What
- Iran has released no public photo or video proving Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, while officials say he remains in control.
- When
- The lack of visual proof has continued since Mojtaba reportedly took power in March; Araghchi discussed it on Sunday, September 27.
- Where
- The reported events involve Tehran and Iran; Araghchi spoke in an interview with NBC News.
- Why
- Araghchi attributed Mojtaba’s absence to security concerns and alleged that he faces threats from the United States.
Iranian Government Account
Reports Raising Questions
Why Mojtaba is not seen publicly
Iranian Government Account
Abbas Araghchi says Mojtaba is being kept out of public view because of security concerns and threats from the United States.
Reports Raising Questions
The absence of any photo or video has left Mojtaba’s whereabouts and condition uncertain in public reporting.
Control over Iran
Iranian Government Account
Araghchi says Mojtaba is in full control and that Iran’s government, military, security council, foreign ministry and parliament are acting together.
Reports Raising Questions
Earlier reports cited in the article questioned whether Mojtaba was fully involved in decision-making during the war.
Mojtaba’s survival
Iranian Government Account
Iranian officials indicate that Mojtaba is alive and continues sending orders, comments and opinions.
Reports Raising Questions
The article says no direct visual proof of life has been released, although a New York Post report said he survived a later strike while receiving hospital treatment.
- Reported leader
- Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s Supreme Leader in March, according to the article.
- Previous leader
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba’s father, was reportedly killed in joint United States-Israeli strikes on February 28.
- Public evidence
- No pictures or videos of Mojtaba Khamenei have been released since he took power.
- Iranian explanation
- Abbas Araghchi cited security concerns and alleged threats from Americans.
- Iranian government position
- Araghchi said Mojtaba is in full control and that Iran’s institutions are operating through national consensus.
- Reported attack
- The New York Post said Mojtaba survived a second United States-Israeli strike while being treated in a hospital.