Hebrew newspaper 'Yedioth Ahronoth' has reported, citing Israeli security sources, that the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive, resides in Iran, and continues to play a role in decision-making despite having suffered an injury, according to their security assessments.
The newspaper noted that media reports suggested Khamenei might be outside Iran, but it was confirmed that no Israeli official supports this claim. The available information from Israeli security services indicates that he is still within the country and is under strict security measures.
A security source was quoted saying Khamenei is "injured, but alive, and Iranian state institutions still await his directives," suggesting that his limited public appearances do not imply an absence from governance but rather reflect security precautions to conceal his whereabouts.
Another Israeli official cited by the paper stated that the ambiguity surrounding Khamenei’s location is part of security protocols, adding that the Revolutionary Guards are increasingly running state affairs, while Khamenei’s personal influence diminishes, according to his assessment.
The paper 'Yedioth Ahronoth' also reported that Israeli researchers believe Mojtaba Khamenei continues to make significant decisions, albeit with reduced capacity due to recent developments.
Conversely, the report highlighted that certain assessments within Israel do not dismiss the possibility that the circulating information about Khamenei's whereabouts might be part of psychological warfare or mutual deception efforts between Tehran and Tel Aviv, prompting the security establishment to refrain from drawing final conclusions.
The report comes as Iran maintains the limited public presence of Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian officials previously stated that he received treatment for his injury and left the hospital. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced in May that he held a meeting with him that lasted several hours, and later, Iranian television reported his participation in meetings with military leaders.
The assertions in this report are based on estimates and statements attributed to Israeli security sources, and no independent official confirmation from the Iranian side has been made regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's current condition.