Israeli officials have expressed doubt over the degree of control exercised by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, describing him as a 'present absent' (nocheach nifkad), according to a report by Kan. The report also says Israel is monitoring renewed protests in Iran, which are currently small but occur against a backdrop of water and electricity cuts and internal frustration.
The report from Kan adds to a series of unverified reports and analyses regarding the status of Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed the role of Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. Over the past two months, various reports have questioned his whereabouts and control, with some suggesting he is avoiding public appearances. The Zioneer has previously covered these developments. The current assessment from Israeli officials frames Khamenei as a 'present absentee' — a term suggesting limited actual control. Meanwhile, the renewal of protests in Iran, though small, signals internal discontent exacerbated by power and water outages. The situation remains fluid, and no official confirmation from Iranian sources has been provided.
- DevelopingYoni Ben Menachem: Mojtaba Khamenei alive and in Iran, cabinet ministers informed
- DevelopingNew analysis raises questions over Mojtaba Khamenei's status and who runs Iran
- DevelopingReuters: Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from public eye could weaken Iran's regime
- StrongIsraeli security source tells Al-Hadath: Khamenei not in Iran, statements drafted by IRGC commander
Source and signal
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