Mojtaba Khamenei’s Status Unverified as Intelligence Searches for Evidence

Intelligence services say the lack of any visual proof is a red flag.

Overview

Iran’s new supreme leader has not been seen publicly since the February 28 strike, issuing only a written Nowruz message without audio or video.
U.S. and Israeli officials say they have no confirmation he is directing the regime, as the Revolutionary Guards appear to handle statements and daily control.
Israeli assessments indicate he is likely alive but injured and not in condition to appear in public, with possible wounds to an eye and a leg.
U.S. officials describe the ongoing absence of any visual evidence as a “big red flag,” and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was wounded and likely disfigured.
An exiled journalist’s claim that he died after amputations remains unverified, and analysts caution there is no clear proof he is incapacitated.