A diplomatic note, likely based on US and Israeli intelligence, indicates Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is unconscious and receiving treatment in Qom.
New Supreme Leader in Critical Condition
According to the diplomatic note, Ayatollah Modżtaba Chamenei is in critical condition and unable to participate in decision-making for the regime.
The Times reports this is the first disclosure of the new Supreme Leader’s location.
Succession Following Alleged Attack
Modżtaba Chamenei was selected to the position in early March, following the alleged death of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28th – the first day of the reported US and Israeli conflict with Iran.
Preparation for Burial in Qom
The body of Ali Khamenei is reportedly being prepared for burial in Qom, a holy city for Shia Islam, located 140 km south of Tehran.
Intelligence agencies are aware of preparations for the construction of a large mausoleum in Qom, potentially intended to house multiple family graves, including possibly Modżtaba Chamenei.
Intelligence on Modżtaba Chamenei’s Whereabouts
Information regarding Modżtaba Chamenei’s location was likely known to US and Israeli intelligence agencies for some time but had not been previously publicized.
AI-Generated Appearance
Iran previously confirmed the new Supreme Leader was injured in the same attack that killed his father, mother, wife, and one son. Modżtaba Chamenei has not been seen or heard from since his selection.
Two statements attributed to him have been read on Iranian state television.
The Times reports that on Monday, the station aired an AI-generated video showing the leader entering a command center and analyzing a map of the Israeli Dimona nuclear power plant, but the lack of audio lends credence to the belief that he is in critical condition.