Israeli national security sources characterize Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as lacking real authority over the Iranian regime, describing it as “misfunctioning” and fractured. The assessment was shared by Kobi Michael, a defense analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies, who said Mojtaba is an “empty entity” without effective control or public presence.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Leadership and Health Status
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership following the targeted Israeli strike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. Reports indicate Mojtaba narrowly escaped harm in that strike, sustaining a minor leg injury according to leaked audio from a March 12 meeting. However, conflicting reports have circulated about his condition, with some claims suggesting critical injury or coma, which Iranian officials have denied.
Since his appointment, Mojtaba has not appeared publicly. Instead, his messages have been conveyed by others on Iranian state media, including warnings about continued strikes and calls for Gulf states to close U.S. military bases.
Impact of Israeli Strikes on Iranian Leadership
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted multiple targeted strikes against senior Iranian officials, including the killing of top security figure Ali Larijani and Basij militia leader Gholamreza Soleimani. Israeli officials describe these operations as part of a sustained campaign to weaken Iran’s ability to reconstitute its regime and reduce its influence in the Middle East.
Arab analyst Kobi Michael noted that these efforts aim to produce conditions favorable for regime collapse while diminishing Iran’s threat potential. U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged the Iranian people to seize the opportunity to overthrow their government, signaling U.S. support for regime change alongside ongoing military pressure.
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