Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a key message thanking the people and religious leaders of Iraq for supporting Iran during the war. Following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, Mojtaba assumed leadership, but he has remained out of public view since taking office, fueling widespread speculation about his health.
According to Iranian media, Mojtaba conveyed his gratitude to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and the Iraqi populace for condemning attacks on Iran. The message was delivered during a meeting between the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad and members of Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, though the exact format of the communication has not been disclosed. He expressed confidence that Iran would ultimately emerge victorious in the ongoing conflict.
Earlier, upon taking office, Mojtaba had issued a message on the occasion of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which was read out through television correspondents rather than by him appearing directly on camera. Iranian officials indicated that he sustained serious injuries during aerial strikes and is currently recovering, adding to global uncertainty about his condition.
Despite using older photographs and social media accounts linked to Mojtaba, the Iranian government has not provided recent visual evidence of the leader. This absence of public appearances, combined with his messages, continues to draw international attention and debate, highlighting the strategic and symbolic significance of his leadership amid the ongoing war.