Amid US Claims, Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Thanks Iraqis in Written Message

Iran: In the ongoing war against America and Israel, Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has thanked the people of Iraq and the religious leadership there through a written message. Iranian media reported this message on Sunday. Mujtaba is the son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Since the name of the new supreme leader was announced, he has not been seen in public even once; not even his voice has been heard. Only written statements are being issued from their side.

Is Mujtaba Khamenei limited to only written messages?

He did not read the messages himself. Instead, it was read out by an anchor of state television, while a still image of Mojtaba Khamenei was shown on the screen. His first statements since becoming supreme leader include his first statement and a Nowruz (Persian New Year) message, both of which claimed victory in the war but were both read by another speaker on television.

Has his absence increased the speculation?

US and Israeli security officials told The Washington Post that Khamenei "is injured, isolated and not responding to messages being sent to him." According to the Jerusalem Post's sources, he is alive, but in reality the command of Iran is in the hands of IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). A source with knowledge of the matter said that "the possibility is that the Revolutionary Guards are controlling them, not they the guards."

Has the Iranian government given any indication regarding their status?

Iranian state television and some officials indicated that he was safe and recovering from injuries sustained in an airstrike. However, no fresh photos or videos have surfaced, due to which there is doubt about their actual condition.

Is the message sent to Iraq's religious leadership a strategic signal?

In his latest message, Mujtaba Khamenei praised Iraq's "supreme religious authority" and its people for their "clear stance and support" towards Iran. In his first statement, he said, "The resistance front countries are our best friends," referring to Yemen's Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraq's armed groups. Analysts believe the message is an attempt to strengthen Shia unity and demonstrate regional support.

Is America also confused about its status?

US President Donald Trump said last week that Washington is talking to a "big personality" in Iran, but he clarified that the person is not the supreme leader. Trump said, "We have not heard any news from the son... We do not know whether he is alive or not." 

Are they not being made public due to security reasons?

According to reports, he may have been kept in a secure location, especially since Israel has threatened to target Iran's top leadership. Experts believe that in the current situation his absence could also be a part of a security strategy.

Is US-Iran dialogue continuing through Pakistan?

There is a lot of activity on the diplomatic front as well. US envoy Steve Witkoff has confirmed that the US has sent a "15-point agenda" to Iran through Pakistan to lay out a blueprint for a peace deal. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on social media that "US-Iran indirect talks continue through Pakistan's message delivery." Trump claimed on Sunday that Iran had met "most of America's 15 demands."  However, Iran has denied any direct talks and Tehran's foreign minister has said that these are not talks, just an "exchange of messages."