Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is struggling to control the regime following his father’s death in an Israeli strike.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been described as an “empty entity” lacking control over the regime, according to Israeli national security sources. This assessment follows the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a targeted Israeli strike on February 28.
Kobi Michael, a defense analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei does not appear to lead or control the remnants of the regime. “The current Iranian leadership is broken, confused, and almost misfunctioning,” he noted.
Reports indicate that Mojtaba narrowly escaped death during the strike that killed his father. Leaked audio obtained by The Telegraph suggests he left the compound for a walk just moments before the missile hit. The audio, reportedly from a March 12 meeting, revealed that several members of the Khamenei family were also killed in the attack. Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for Khamenei’s office, is heard in the recording informing senior leaders that Mojtaba sustained “a minor injury to his leg.”
Since assuming the role of supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances. Instead, a message attributed to him was broadcast on Iranian state television, warning of ongoing strikes and urging Gulf nations to close U.S. military bases in the region.
Other reports have circulated claiming that Mojtaba was in critical condition or even in a coma, although Iranian officials maintain that he is in good health. Following the killing of senior security official Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, Mojtaba vowed revenge, stating, “Such acts of terror only reflect the enemies’ hostility and will strengthen the resolve of the Islamic nation. Undoubtedly, justice will be served.”
Larijani, a prominent figure in Iran’s security apparatus, was reportedly located by Israeli intelligence before being killed on the outskirts of Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have also confirmed the deaths of other senior figures, including Basij militia leader Gholamreza Soleimani, in recent strikes.
Kobi Michael commented on the ongoing Israeli operations, stating, “This is not a new phase, but a continuing effort and a very successful and impressive one. It is a crucial component of the strategy meant to weaken the Iranian regime.” He emphasized that these actions aim to prevent the regime from reconstituting itself and becoming a destabilizing force in the broader Middle East.
In the wake of the U.S.-Israeli strikes, former President Donald Trump addressed the Iranian people, suggesting that their “moment of freedom” was approaching. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he stated, implying U.S. support for efforts to dismantle the Iranian regime.
Michael further elaborated on the U.S. and Israeli strategy, asserting that by weakening the regime and paralyzing its domestic control, they are creating conditions favorable for the Iranian people to rise against their government. “This is the ultimate victory in their eyes, and the route to this destination is that they are trying to increase any damage wherever they can,” he concluded.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership and the ongoing Israeli strikes remain a focal point of concern for both regional stability and international relations.
According to Fox News, the challenges facing Iran’s new leadership could significantly impact the country’s future and its role in the Middle East.