Nearly four days after Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as its next ‘Supreme Leader’, his whereabouts remain unknown. The 56-year-old cleric and son of Ali Khamenei has not appeared publicly, delivered a speech, or issued even a written statement since the announcement. Iranian state media has instead relied on archival footage when introducing him to the public.

Reports in Iran’s state media suggest Mojtaba may have been injured during the ongoing US-Israeli strikes

Reports in Iran’s state media suggest Mojtaba may have been injured during the ongoing US-Israeli strikes

Reports in Iran’s state media suggest Mojtaba may have been injured during the ongoing US-Israeli strikes. State television has described him as an injured war veteran. Meanwhile, an inaugural speech attributed to Mojtaba has spread widely online, but the video has been widely mocked, as it was identified as an entirely AI-generated clip.

The uncertainty surrounding the new leader comes as the war continues to intensify across Iran itself. Israeli forces carried out large waves of strikes across the country on Tuesday, with attacks in Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz and Isfahan. Israeli officials said more than 400 regime targets were struck.

The US also appeared in no mood to slow down its offensive. At a Pentagon briefing, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that, ‘today will be our most intense day of strikes inside Iran: the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes.’

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he and........

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