Story perspectives

Iran's New Leader MIA Amid Speculation of Injuries

3/25/2026

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Khamenei's Silent Leadership

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, has not appeared in public since his appointment 13 days ago, and reports say he was injured during an attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speculation about his condition includes unverified claims of severe injuries and ventilator support.
U.S. officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have questioned who is governing Iran.
Khamenei's absence contrasts with his father’s appearances, during Nowruz.

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Khamenei's Hidden Identity

A U.S. intelligence report says Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's newly named supreme leader, is likely gay.
It notes Khamenei struggled with impotence and had a long relationship with his childhood tutor.
The report also cites hidden homosexual lives of other Middle Eastern leaders, including the late Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, and slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Khamenei's sexual orientation is said to be an open secret among Iran's ruling class.

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Khamenei's Silent Leadership

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, has not appeared in public since his appointment 13 days ago, and reports say he was injured during an attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speculation about his condition includes unverified claims of severe injuries and ventilator support.
U.S. officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have questioned who is governing Iran.
Khamenei's absence contrasts with his father’s appearances, during Nowruz.

1 / 2