Iran's new supreme leader reportedly is unable to run the country because he's incapacitated and receiving medical treatment.
According to a diplomatic memo cited by London news outlet The Times and based on U.S. and Israeli intelligence, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after the longtime ruler's death, is in "severe" condition and unable to participate in decision-making for the Iranian regime.
The memo reportedly places Khamenei in the holy city of Qom, a key center of Shia Islam, where he is said to be unconscious and under medical care.
The revelation raises serious questions about who is actually running Iran at a time of heightened conflict with the United States and its allies.
Iranian officials have insisted the new supreme leader remains "in charge," but his absence from public view since the start of the war has fueled growing skepticism.
Only two statements attributed to Khamenei have surfaced — both read on state television — and no verified video or audio of him has been released.
Adding to doubts, a widely circulated video purporting to show Khamenei reviewing military plans has been widely dismissed as AI-generated propaganda, according to India's WION News.
The clip, which appeared to show threats against Israel's Dimona nuclear facility, has not been confirmed by any official Iranian sources.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Khamenei was wounded in the same strike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other family members.
Opposition sources have gone further, claiming he may be in a coma or suffering from serious injuries.
The uncertainty surrounding Khamenei's condition has intensified speculation that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is effectively running the country behind the scenes.
Analysts warn that such a power vacuum could make the regime more unpredictable — and potentially more dangerous — as tensions escalate in the region.
President Donald Trump has indicated he's negotiating with Iranian officials but notably has not dealt directly with the supreme leader, further underscoring concerns about Khamenei's ability to lead.
At the same time, unusual developments surrounding the elder Khamenei's burial have raised additional questions.
Intelligence reports suggest preparations are underway in Qom for a large mausoleum complex with multiple graves, even as Iran delays a formal public funeral — a break from long-standing Shia traditions that call for swift burial.
The leadership uncertainty comes as Iran faces increasing military pressure and internal instability, with clashes reported between regime forces and opposition groups even before the war began.
With the regime's top authority potentially sidelined, experts say Iran could be entering a period of heightened volatility that may complicate diplomatic efforts while increasing the risk of further escalation in the Middle East.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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