A video from a recent memorial ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reignited speculation about the health of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely believed to be Iran’s new religious leader. The footage shows a cardboard cutout of Mojtaba Khamenei at the event, with a person seen kissing the image. This has raised questions about whether the influential figure has been injured or is even alive, given his absence from public view since his election.

The Role of the Cutout in the Ceremony

The use of a cardboard model of Mojtaba Khamenei at the ceremony for his father has drawn attention, especially amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. The image circulated online shows the cutout being placed on the podium, where a person is seen interacting with it. This has led to speculation about the true status of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since his election.

According to reports from US-based media outlets, high-level targets in Iran were hit during recent attacks, and some sources claim that Mojtaba Khamenei was among those targeted. The absence of the new religious leader from public appearances has only added to the speculation about his condition.

Statements from Iranian Officials

Yousef Pezeshkian, son of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and a government advisor, addressed the rumors on his Telegram channel. He stated that he had heard reports of Mojtaba Khamenei being injured but confirmed through contacts that the leader is in good health. His comments came amid growing uncertainty about the new religious leader’s whereabouts.

Iranian state television had previously referred to Mojtaba Khamenei as a “veteran” but did not provide any details about his alleged injury or how it occurred. This lack of official information has left the public and analysts guessing about the true state of affairs.

Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei?

Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969 in Mashhad, is the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. He received his religious education in Qom, one of the most important centers of Shia Islamic learning in Iran. Although he does not hold an official state position, he is considered a key figure in the country’s political and religious landscape.

His influence is particularly notable within the Major Guards and conservative political circles. His name frequently appears in discussions about Iran’s internal political dynamics and religious leadership. He was also mentioned in the context of the 2009 presidential election protests, with some suggesting he played a behind-the-scenes role.

Mojtaba Khamenei has long been considered a potential successor to his father, and his name has been floated as a candidate for Iran’s religious leadership following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s eventual departure from the role.

With the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States entering its 12th day, the situation remains tense. The use of a cardboard cutout at the ceremony has only added to the speculation about the true status of Mojtaba Khamenei, whose absence has raised concerns among both the public and analysts.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Iranian government has not provided any further clarification on the health or whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei. The lack of transparency has only fueled the claims, which remain a topic of discussion both within Iran and internationally.