Iran's succession crisis remains unresolved as new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the February 28 assassination of his father.
This 41-day absence raises critical questions about who actually governs the country.
US intelligence assesses he remains unconscious, while Iranian state media broadcasts written statements in his name.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) appears to be ruling Iran directly behind this phantom leadership.
The Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba with a narrow 50-vote majority on March 8.
The IRGC replaced civilian officials with hardline military commanders immediately after the strikes.
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Iran demands a $2 million cryptocurrency toll for ships crossing the waterway. Businesses must secure alternative supply routes immediately.
Your Iranian operations face a total leadership vacuum. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vanished 41 days ago following the assassination of his father. US intelligence reports he remains unconscious while state media broadcasts fake messages. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now controls all state policy and security decisions. Prepare for immediate sanctions escalation and freeze all pending local contracts.
Hardline military commanders replaced civilian officials immediately after the February strikes. The military uses the Supreme Leader's office as a shield to maintain regime continuity. The intelligence apparatus dictates all state security decisions. This marks a permanent shift toward military rule.
The Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei on March 8 with a narrow 50-vote majority. Many clerics opposed the decision due to his lack of religious credentials. Others feared naming him would make him an immediate military target. An Iranian envoy claims Mojtaba will address the nation soon. However, he currently operates from an undisclosed secure location.
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Request Sample Brief See Plans & PricingThis assessment synthesizes reporting from RIA Novosti, IRNA, Tasnim News, BBC Persian, and 40+ and additional sources across multiple languages. Items are verified through cross-referencing across language boundaries.
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