Wounded and in Hiding, Mojtaba Khamenei Governs Iran by Courier, Relies on IRGC Generals: Report

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is governing the country from an undisclosed hideout, heavily dependent on the collective guidance of senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to manage state affairs, The New York Times reported.

Mojtaba assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel strike on Iran on February 28.

Though Mojtaba survived the attack, he sustained grave injuries. His wife and son were killed in the bombing.

"Mojtaba is managing the country as though he is the director of the board. He relies heavily on the advice and guidance of the board members, and they collectively make all the decisions. The generals are the board members," Abdolreza Davari told the NYT.

Davari is a politician who served as a top aide to former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and has ties to Mojtaba Khamenei.

Why Has Mojtaba Khamenei Disappeared From Public View?

Since taking charge, Mojtaba has been largely absent from the public sphere. He has issued no video or audio messages, with his statements reaching the public only through posts on social media or being read out on state television.

Senior commanders of the IRGC and senior government officials have avoided visiting him in person, fearing that Israel may trace their movements and locate him.

As a result, access to Mojtaba is currently limited to doctors and medical staff overseeing his treatment.

An Iranian official told the publication that while the Supreme Leader is "gravely" injured, he remains mentally sharp and engaged.

His medical care is being directly overseen by the health minister and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is himself a heart surgeon by training.

How Does Mojtaba Khamenei Communicate With Officials While in Hiding?

To prevent being tracked by the United States and Israel, all communications with Mojtaba are conducted through a carefully guarded courier system.

Messages to him are handwritten, sealed in envelopes, and passed along a human chain from one trusted courier to the next.

The couriers travel on highways and back roads, in cars and on motorcycles, until the messages reach his hideout. His responses and guidance on issues follow the same route back.

The extent of his injuries is significant. One of his legs has been operated on three times, and he will require a prosthetic limb.

His arm has also undergone surgery and is gradually regaining function. The strikes additionally damaged his face, which may require plastic surgery. His face and lips have been severely burnt, making it difficult for him to speak.