A Saudi TV report citing an Israeli security source claims Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not in Iran and that IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi writes the messages attributed to him. The report also says calls to dissolve the IRGC have drawn a sharp response from senior commanders.
The Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reported Sunday, citing the same Israeli security source that has been the basis of The Zioneer's earlier reporting, that anonymous elements in Iran have called for the dissolution of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting a sharp response from senior IRGC generals. The new details, published at 11:26 Jerusalem, extend the thread of claims from the same source.
The Zioneer first reported the source's claims at 09:19 Jerusalem, initially stating that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not in Iran and that his public messages are authored by the IRGC. In subsequent updates at the same timestamp, the report added that Iran had planned to assassinate Israeli figures in Tel Aviv, and specified that IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi writes the messages. The source also claimed that the US opposes Israeli participation in strikes against Iran.
The claims come amid weeks of speculation about Khamenei's whereabouts. As The Zioneer reported on July 11, Reuters noted that his continued absence from public view could weaken Iran's regime. On July 18, an analysis by The Zioneer suggested that Khamenei is hiding behind a letter he likely did not write. The IRGC has also been reported moving missiles under cover of power outages, as The Zioneer reported on July 15.
The new report about calls to dissolve the IRGC and the commanders' backlash remains unverified, as does the core claim about Khamenei's location and the authorship of his messages. The Zioneer has not independently confirmed any of the allegations, which rely on a single Israeli security source. The story is rated Developing.
4 developments
- StrongIsraeli security source tells Al-Hadath: Khamenei not in Iran, statements drafted by IRGC commander
- DevelopingIRGC Intelligence Ministry vows revenge for Khamenei's killing, targets US and Israel
- DevelopingIran International: contact cut with Supreme Leader Khamenei since last night, Tehran's missile attack on Israel reportedly launched without his coordination
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz confirms Israel eliminated Supreme Leader Khamenei
Source and signal
- Internal intake