Six months after the war began, Iran’s Supreme Leader Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly in photographs, videos or direct audio messages, according to the report. He was appointed supreme leader during the first week of the war after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Israeli and US air strikes on 28 February. Mojtaba was seriously injured in the same attack and has remained out of public view.

Iranian officials say his location is being withheld for security reasons, citing fears of further attacks. They maintain that he receives major reports, meets senior officials and gives final approval on major decisions. President Masoud Pezeshkian said on 10 August that he held a seven-hour meeting with him, while a source close to Mojtaba said his health has improved.

Doubts persist among hardline supporters and reformists, who seek visible proof of his leadership. Sources said the Revolutionary Guard’s influence has increased, with decision-making centered more on the Supreme National Security Council. The report also cites mounting economic pressure from disrupted oil exports and war costs, alongside warnings that prolonged uncertainty could deepen leadership questions.