Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and widely viewed as a potential successor, has become the center of intense speculation amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. Conflicting reports about his condition and whereabouts have surfaced, with some claiming he is alive, others alleging he died alongside his father, and still others suggesting he is undergoing treatment in Russia. The uncertainty has intensified as both sides engage not only in military confrontation but also in an escalating information war.
Reports indicate that during the February 28 attack on Tehran, Ali Khamenei was killed, while Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly survived. Unverified claims suggest he lost a leg in the attack and is currently in a coma. However, since the incident, Mojtaba has not appeared in public, further fueling speculation about his health and status.
Amid these developments, tensions between Iran and Israel have sharply escalated. Iran has warned that its campaign will continue until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eliminated, while Israel has responded by stating that if Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, he will be targeted regardless of his location. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, has dismissed such reports, asserting that its leadership remains safe and that claims regarding Mojtaba’s condition are false.
Adding to the confusion, a Kuwaiti media report claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was critically injured, disfigured, and transported to Moscow on March 12 via a Russian military aircraft for treatment, allegedly at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The report stated that he underwent surgery and is currently recovering. Iran has strongly denied these claims, with its ambassador to Russia asserting that Mojtaba is in good health and remains within the country.
Meanwhile, the situation has been further complicated by viral misinformation. Reports claiming Ali Khamenei is still alive have circulated widely, largely based on old or AI-generated videos, despite official confirmation of his death. Similarly, Iran’s claims that Benjamin Netanyahu was killed in missile strikes have been rejected by Israel, which released recent footage showing him interacting with the public. As the conflict intensifies, the parallel battle of narratives continues to shape global perception alongside the ground realities.