Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the US and Israeli intelligence agencies are searching for his son and new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. As the Middle East war entered into its fourth week, the intelligence assessmnets suggest he is alive through there are growing doubts regarding his actual grip on power.

Despite the expectations of CIA and Mossad for a traditional New Year’s speech, Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of sight, issuing only a text-based statement on Telegram for Nowruz.

Sources cited by The Jerusalem Post indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may currently hold the reins of the country, with one source suggesting the Guard is controlling Mojtaba rather than following his lead.

Mojtaba Khamenei's Leadership In Shadows

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader on March 9, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in February 28 joint US-Israeli airstrike. Since his ascension, Mojtaba has not made a single public appearance.

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Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump's national security team is currently working to identify that who is truly leading Iran.

Key points regarding his absence include:

March 12 and 20: Official statements and a Nowruz message were released via state media, but both were written or pre-recorded rather than live public addresses.

Injury Reports: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed Mojtaba was wounded and potentially disfigured in the same strike that killed his father.

Intelligence Monitoring: Agencies such as the CIA and Mossad closely watched the Nowruz holiday for a televised appearance that never materialised, deepening the mystery.

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The Power Vacuum: Who Is Leading Iran?

The lack of a visible leader has led US officials to describe the situation in Tehran as "beyond weird." Briefings to Donald Trump suggest it is unclear who is currently issuing military and political orders.

The IRGC's Role: With the reported assassination of security chief Ali Larijani, a power vacuum has emerged that the IRGC appears to have filled.

Operations in Hiding: Senior Iranian officials are reportedly moving between safe houses and avoiding all digital communication to evade Israeli targeting.

Command Crisis: CIA Director John Ratcliffe and DIA chief James Adams have noted a "serious command crisis," though they clarify there are no signs of an immediate regime collapse.

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Internal Stability And Global Impact

While some experts, like Raz Zimmt of the INSS, argue that security risks and injuries are enough to explain Mojtaba's absence, others see a regime under extreme internal strain.

Iran's Official Stance: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintains that the Iranian system does not depend on a single individual and will continue to function.

Economic Warfare: Tehran has escalated the conflict by shutting the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatens approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil and LNG supply.

Current Status Of Mojtaba Khamenei

Speculation regarding the condition of the new Supreme Leader continues to grow following his prolonged absence. Earlier reports indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been secretly transported to Moscow for urgent medical intervention. According to media sources, he is allegedly recovering at a residence belonging to the Kremlin leadership after undergoing surgery for injuries sustained during US and Israeli strikes