File photo: Mojtaba Khamenei Two months after taking over as Iran’s supreme leader following the death of his father, Mojtaba Khamenei has still not appeared publicly — triggering growing speculation over his health, whereabouts and grip on power during one of the most volatile periods in the country’s recent history.The secrecy surrounding the 56-year-old cleric has deepened amid reports that he suffered injuries during the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. While Iranian officials insist Mojtaba Khamenei is “in good health” and continues to direct state affairs, diplomats and intelligence reports suggest extraordinary security measures are now in place because of fears that Israel could attempt to assassinate him.Security fears and hidden communicationsAccording to the Financial Times, Iranian officials have gradually begun disclosing details about Khamenei’s injuries in an attempt to counter reports that he suffered life-threatening wounds or even died during the attack. Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in the supreme leader’s office, said Khamenei was struck by the blast wave while climbing stairs near the targeted compound.Hosseini claimed the leader suffered injuries to his kneecap, lower back and behind one ear after being thrown to the ground by the explosion. “He will come and make speeches for you when the time comes,” Hosseini told supporters, urging patience amid mounting speculation.Iran’s health ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour also denied reports that Khamenei’s face had been disfigured or that any limbs were amputated. Iranian officials have accused foreign media and Tehran’s adversaries of spreading “false claims” aimed at portraying the leadership as weak and divided.Despite those assurances, diplomats and intelligence reports suggest security fears remain extremely high. According to reports cited by the FT and CNN, Khamenei has avoided electronic communications amid fears that Israel could attempt to assassinate him. Messages between the supreme leader, government officials and military commanders are reportedly being passed by hand through trusted couriers to avoid surveillance or tracking.Nuclear talks deepen pressure on TehranThe uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s condition comes as Iran remains locked in tense negotiations with the administration of Donald Trump over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently said he had personally met Khamenei, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to demonstrate that the supreme leader remains active and authoritative. Tehran has also insisted that Khamenei personally ordered that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile must not leave the country, rejecting one of Washington’s central demands.Trump, meanwhile, has openly questioned the coherence of Iran’s leadership, saying last month that Tehran’s rulers were “all messed up” and “have no idea who their leader is”.Behind the scenes, however, Iranian officials appear increasingly concerned that the current pause in fighting may only be temporary. According to Reuters, senior figures in Tehran fear the US and Israel could launch fresh strikes if negotiations collapse.



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