Overview
- Iran’s ambassador in Baghdad delivered a written message from Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday thanking Iraq’s leaders, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, and the public for support during the war.
- The note, conveyed at a meeting with Islamic Supreme Council chief Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, was one of few communications since he became supreme leader and offered no proof of his condition.
- Russia’s ambassador to Tehran said Tuesday that Khamenei is in Iran and is avoiding public events for what he called understandable reasons.
- President Trump said Tuesday the United States believes Khamenei is alive but seriously wounded, contrasting with Iranian officials who say he is recovering.
- Khamenei has not appeared in public since taking power, with state outlets sharing undated images and only written statements, leaving allies and rivals to gauge who is directing decisions as the war expands.