Iran Talks Hit Uncertainty as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Goes Missing From Public View

Tehran: On one hand, talks are going on between Iran and America to end the war; on the other hand, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in front of the public for more than two months. No video, no audio message, just silence. And this silence has become the biggest question for the whole world.

When was Mojtaba last seen?

According to US and Iranian officials, Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously injured in an airstrike on February 28. A senior Iranian official admitted for the first time that he had suffered injuries to his spine and knee. From then till now he has not been seen anywhere in public.

What's happening on social media?

There are huge posters of Mojtaba on the streets of Iran and continuous posts are also being made from his X account. But experts say that these pictures and posts are being created with AI. Where is the real Mojtaba? This question still awaits an answer.

What is the commotion going on inside Iran?

According to Yale University historian Arshad Azizi, Mojtaba's absence has troubled his staunch supporters. Radical groups are targeting moderate leaders like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Supporters fear that in Mojtaba's absence, Iranian officials are making excessive concessions to the US.

What did the Iranian government say on this?

President Massoud Pezeshkian claimed he recently held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Mojtaba. Mazhar Hussaini, a senior official of the Supreme Leader's office, said that the enemy is trying to get his audio-video, that is why he is not coming forward now – he will talk himself at the right time.

What will be the impact on talks with America?

In Iran the Supreme Leader takes the final decision; this is the system there. Unless it is clear that Mojtaba is truly in a position to take decisions, the US will not be willing to trust any agreement. Middle-East Institute expert Alex Vatanka says that this mysterious absence of Mojtaba is looming like a dark cloud over the future of Iran and peace talks.