Following reports attributed to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, relayed through Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, former U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on Khamenei’s current condition.
Message Delivered Through Iraqi Channels
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, as reported by the BBC, a message attributed to Khamenei was delivered to the Iraqi side by the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad. Several written messages have been attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei since he assumed office in early March, but he has yet to appear publicly or on state television.
Predecessor’s Death and Uncertainty Surrounding Current Leader
Ali Khamenei, the previous Supreme Leader of Iran and Mojtaba’s father, reportedly died on February 28th, coinciding with the first day of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, but has not yet been buried. Donald Trump claims Mojtaba Khamenei “is either dead or in very bad shape” due to the lack of public sightings.
Bounty and Israeli Threats
The Iranian ambassador to the UN in Geneva attributes Khamenei’s absence from public life to “security reasons.” A $1 million reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of high-ranking Iranian officials, including the new Supreme Leader, as noted by the BBC.
Israel had threatened to attack Mojtaba Khamenei both before and after he assumed the highest position in Iran.
Russian Interests in Iranian Stability
Hanna Notte, an expert on Russian politics in the Middle East, suggests that the outcome in Iran will significantly impact Russia’s position, with a stable Iran benefiting Russia and instability posing serious problems.
Reported by PAP
Wiesław Romanowski (PAP)
