Missing Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious and “unable to be involved in any decision-making,” according to an intelligence memo — weeks after he was severely injured in US-Israeli strikes that killed his father and ignited the war.
The 56-year-old supposed leader has not been seen since he was injured during the initial Feb. 28 strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, and much of his family — with only written statements given as questionable proof of leadership.
That is because he is currently undergoing medical treatment for a “severe” condition in the holy city of Qom, roughly 87 miles south of Tehran, according to an assessment obtained by the Times of London.
“Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime,” the memo based on US and Israeli intelligence reads.
Until now, conflicting reports have emerged about the extent of Khamenei’s injuries ever since he was injured during the outbreak of the war, with his absence only fueling speculation.
Some reports claimed he suffered only a fractured foot and other minor injuries, while others suggested he was in a coma.
Since being named his father’s successor last month, Khamenei has been said to have issued orders and written statements that have been broadcast via state media anchors.
“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” the supreme leader supposedly said in his initial written statement on March 12.
“The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
A follow-up threat came on April 1 when a statement said to have come from Khamenei was said to have vowed to support anti-American and anti-Israel terrorist cells in the Middle East.
“I firmly declare that the consistent policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in continuing the path of the late Imam and martyred leader, is based on continuing to support the resistance against the Zionist-American enemy,” said the statement claiming to be by Khamenei.
