Sources say six months after being named Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei
has not appeared publicly or issued statements; his absence is attributed to
assassination concerns. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has further
increased influence since the war began and sits at the core of a restructured
Supreme National Security Council, driving top strategic decisions. That senior
power circle reportedly centers on the IRGC commander and includes President
Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Sources add
Mojtaba attends high-level meetings and retains final authority on major issues,
but direct access to him is limited to a small number of officials; a close aide
says his health is markedly improving and he remains mentally sharp.
