The newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from his own succession rally in Tehran, sparking speculation about his whereabouts and well-being. Some observers suggest he may be injured or in hiding due to fear.
On Monday, thousands gathered to celebrate Khamenei’s rise to power. However, instead of addressing his supporters in person, Khamenei was represented by a portrait that was notably smaller than that of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which dominated the stage, according to footage from state media.
Khosro Isfahani, a research director for the opposition group National Union for Democracy, commented on the situation, saying, “It’s possible he’s either recovering in a hospital or has retreated to a secure bunker out of fear, especially after witnessing his father’s violent end.”
Isfahani further elaborated to The Post that Mojtaba Khamenei lacks widespread public support, suggesting that his appointment was largely due to pressure from the influential Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “He has all the charisma of a boiled potato,” Isfahani added wryly.
Isfahani told The Post that Khamenei lacks public support and was only appointed to the position because of pressure from the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“He has the charisma of a boiled potato,” Isfahani quipped.
Despite his unpopularity and lack of leadership qualities, Khosro said the leader of Iran’s top two factions — Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf — are happy for Khamenei’s son to step into crosshairs.
“Those two want to sit this out and are happy to see Mojtaba be the one to beat his chest and take the reins,” Khosro said.
“Mojtaba is irrelevant, and they see it as a short-term appointment because it’s not going to last very long,” he added, referencing America’s latest threat to Khamenei.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who was repeatedly treated for impotence in London and had trouble fathering a child, wasn’t popular with the other clerics, but does have the backing of the powerful IRGC.
Larijani is widely viewed as the most powerful man in Iran following the ayatollah’s death at the start of the war, with the official recently threatening President Trump.
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran not to pick a leader without seeking his approval first, with the commander in chief specifically naming Khamenei an “unacceptable” candidate.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump told Axios.
The president also told ABC News that Iran’s new leader is “not going to last long” without his direct approval.
