The US Government believes that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming he is increasing his engagement after suspected injuries.
When the US launched Operation Epic Fury, strikes conducted by the US and Israel killed former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking members of his inner circle.
Mojtaba reportedly survived the strikes on the compound at the start of the US-Iran war in February, however, claims persist that he was seriously injured.
Reports claim that Mojtaba, the son of Ali Khamenei, had walked outside of the building briefly to take a phone call, a move that may have prevented his death.
Since then, Mojtaba was thrust into the highest position of power in Iran, becoming the new Supreme Leader, however, he has not been seen since then.
Multiple versions of what happened after the strikes have swirled in the mix, including one claim that he was flown to a hospital in Russia for urgent care, however, Iran has not confirmed details.
The new Iranian Supreme Leader is believed to have suffered injuries to his leg, which reportedly led to amputation.
Many thought the new leader was dead, potentially put into the position as a sign of strength by Tehran as it entered war against the US, however, those theories now appear incorrect according to the US.
“We’ve not heard from his publicly. We’ve not seen him publicly,” Mr Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.
“I would imagine, given to what has happened to multiple leaders in that system, being very public is probably something that is not recommended for them.
“I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level.”
The Secretary of State acknowledged that the Supreme Leader was, at this point, only communicating through written materials, always through another person.
“All of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries.”
The New York Times reported in April that the new Supreme Leader was going to be given a prosthetic leg, adding that he was struggling to talk following his injuries.
“(His leg has been) operated on three times, and he is awaiting a prosthetic,” Iranian officials said according to the outlet.
“His face and lips have been burned severely, making it difficult for him to speak (and) he will need plastic surgery.”
“Senior government officials do not visit him, fearing that Israel may trace them to him and kill him.”
Mystery continues to surround his whereabouts and current condition, but Mr Rubio’s claim is the most substantial update on the Iranian Supreme Leader in weeks.
It follows unconfirmed claims that the Iranian President had been in contact with the Iranian Supreme Leader, seeking an immediate resignation.
Iranian opposition news outlet Iran International published the bombshell claim, which reported that a letter was sent to the Supreme Leader’s office on Sunday.
The outlet claimed that the Iranian President had become frustrated by the IRGC, which reportedly has taken control of government affairs while the US-Iran war endures.
“Pezeshkian stressed that the president and the government have effectively been excluded from major and vital decision-making processes in the country, and that the vacuum created by this situation has enabled hardline factions within the IRGC to take control of affairs,” the outlet reported, according to a source.
Mr Pezeshkian reportedly said he was unable to run the country’s government due to those issues and made a request to step down immediately.
Tasmin News Agency, an Iranian state news outlet, disputed the claims, saying the Iranian President continues to perform his duties.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails