- IRIB released undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei teaching religious science.
- Video emerges amid theories about his health and public absence.
- IRGC, Sadeq Larijani now key figures in Iran's power.
The Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has released what appears to be an archived video of the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The date of the video is unknown. In the video, the supreme leader can be seen teaching religious science to a bunch of pupils who are listening attentively.
The IRIB said that the video of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was published for the first time. The undated video came at a time when social media posts were fuelled with wild theories about his death and health conditions.
WATCH: Mojtaba Khamenei's first video here
Mojtaba Khamenei took over as the Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was 86, was killed in an American strike on February 28. In recent strikes, National Security Advisor Ali Larijani and Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib were also eliminated.
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Mojtaba missing from public view
Iran announced Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader on March 9, following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli strike. However, Mojtaba has not appeared in public since his appointment, raising uncertainty about his condition and whereabouts amid the ongoing conflict.
Who is running Iran?
His absence has fueled further questions about who is running the country during this critical period. Amid this crisis, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has emerged as the most powerful institution. It has long been described as a state within a state, with significant control over the military, politics, and economy. According to a Jagran.com report, the IRGC is largely making decisions and setting war strategies independently.
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The focus has shifted to Sadeq Larijani, the brother of the slain Ali Larijani, who holds a prominent position within the system. Some experts believe that he could emerge as a leader acceptable to the IRGC. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has long-standing ties to the IRGC, is also a key figure in the race.
(With inputs from agency)