Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died on February 28, 2026. State media and foreign allies now call his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader.
However, Mojtaba has not appeared in public. This absence raises serious questions about who actually controls Iran.
Digital evidence links Mojtaba's official statements directly to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The Iranian parliament remains closed after 100 days. Lawmakers are threatening protests against the security state.
A US-Iran peace deal is moving forward, but Iran's internal power structure remains hidden. Businesses must prepare for sudden regime instability.
The lack of a visible leader suggests a fierce behind-the-scenes power struggle.
Investors should delay long-term commitments until a clear governing authority emerges.
Region Alert assesses the Region Alert Threat Index as of 2026-06-24T12:05:00Z. Your operations face severe policy risks because Iran lacks a visible leader. The regime claims Mojtaba Khamenei is the new Supreme Leader. He has not made a single public appearance. Digital forensics suggest other political figures are fabricating his statements. Halt all long-term strategic planning until a clear authority emerges.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf appears to control the civilian government. Digital footprints show his office uses the exact same computer systems to publish Mojtaba Khamenei's official letters . This indicates Ghalibaf might be managing the succession narrative. Meanwhile, the civilian legislature remains completely paralyzed. The parliament has been closed for over 100 days since the February attacks . Angry lawmakers are now threatening to stage a sit-in protest outside the building . They accuse the security apparatus of locking them out of national decisions.
State and allied institutions have officially crowned the new leader without a public inauguration. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps outlet referred to Mojtaba as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution . Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem publicly stated the Islamic Ummah now enjoys Mojtaba's guidance . Foreign leaders are also adopting this title. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced he will meet with Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei next week . Mourners in Zanjan chanted slogans pledging absolute obedience to his commands .
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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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