Overview
- - A diplomatic memo, reported Tuesday by multiple outlets citing The Times, says Mojtaba Khamenei is in a severe condition in Qom and not involved in state decisions.
- - The assessment is understood to draw on U.S. and Israeli intelligence and was shared with Gulf governments, though its details have not been independently verified.
- - Iranian officials insist he remains in charge, yet no verified audio or video has surfaced, with only written statements aired and at least one AI‑generated clip flagged by media.
- - The memo also points to preparations in Qom for Ali Khamenei’s burial, including work on a large mausoleum with space for multiple graves, adding to questions about succession and planning.
- - Analysts say the uncertainty over the supreme leader’s capacity raises the likelihood that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is steering decisions, a critical shift given the supreme leader’s control over Iran’s military and foreign policy and Qom’s central role in clerical authority.