British and Israeli Media: Leadership Vacuum in Tehran, Mojtaba Khamenei Reported Unconscious in Qom
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment in the Shi'ite holy city of Qom, The Times reported Tuesday, citing a diplomatic memo said to be based on American and Israeli intelligence.
The memo, republished by the Israeli The Jerusalem Post, allegedly describes Khamenei as being in severe condition and incapable of participating in regime decision-making. The claims have not been independently verified, but the document is said to have been shared with Gulf allies and represents the first official disclosure of Khamenei's whereabouts since the conflict began.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in joint Israeli and American strikes on February 28. Though Iranian officials have continued to insist he remains in charge, his complete absence from public view has fueled persistent speculation that effective power may have shifted to other actors within the regime — most notably the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to the report, Khamenei has been unable to govern for several weeks. Two statements attributed to him have been broadcast on Iranian state television since the war began, but no direct audio or video of him speaking has been released. That gap has amplified opposition-linked claims and foreign intelligence assessments suggesting his condition is critical.
The uncertainty surrounding Iran's leadership has been compounded by questions over the burial of Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities said a state funeral was delayed due to expectations of an exceptionally large turnout, but the prolonged postponement has drawn scrutiny, as Shi'ite custom traditionally calls for burial shortly after death. The diplomatic memo cited by The Times also indicated that preparations are underway in Qom for a large mausoleum for Ali Khamenei and possibly other family members — a detail that diverges from earlier official Iranian accounts of his burial plans.
Qom has emerged as a focal point in Iran's post-succession struggle. In early March, Israeli strikes targeted a building in the city where the 88-member Assembly of Experts was reportedly convening to formalize the leadership transition, underscoring the city's central role in both clerical governance and regime continuity.
The cumulative picture — an incapacitated leader, unverified statements, a delayed state funeral, and a military establishment that has operated without civilian oversight — raises urgent questions about who is actually governing Iran.