Overview
- A diplomatic memo reported by The Times, citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence, says Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition under treatment in Qom, a claim not independently verified.
- Iran says he remains in charge, yet he has not appeared in public and state TV has carried only written messages and an AI-generated video attributed to him.
- The government has delayed Ali Khamenei’s funeral, which officials link to expected crowds but the memo ties to security risks at a large public ceremony.
- Multiple reports suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite force with vast political and economic reach, may be exercising de facto control during the leader’s absence.
- President Donald Trump said he is speaking with Iranian officials but not with the supreme leader, reinforcing doubts about who is making decisions in Tehran.