Mojtaba Khamenei Takes Charge Amidst Crisis in Iran

In the wake of the attack that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has taken charge of state affairs, operating with the guidance of senior military officials. Despite his injuries, he remains mentally engaged while navigating the complexities of governance. The Revolutionary Guards are now at the forefront of decision-making, influencing both domestic stability and foreign relations. This shift in power dynamics raises questions about the future of Iran's leadership and its strategic direction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 07:42 IST

Mojtaba Khamenei's Leadership in Crisis

Following the recent attack that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly sustained injuries, has largely remained out of the public eye. Recent reports indicate that Mojtaba is now overseeing state matters with the assistance of senior military officials, functioning through a collaborative decision-making process. Since the strikes on February 28, he has been in hiding. Although he survived with injuries, his wife and son were tragically killed in the incident. Access to him is currently restricted, with only medical personnel allowed to attend to his injuries, as reported by a major news outlet.

According to Abdolreza Davari, a politician and former aide to ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, "Mojtaba is managing the country as if he is the director of a board. He heavily relies on the advice of the board members, who collectively make decisions. The generals serve as these board members."

Mojtaba Khamenei's Condition and Governance

To avoid detection by Israeli forces, senior Iranian military and political figures have stopped visiting Mojtaba. His medical care is being supervised by the health minister and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a heart surgeon. Despite being described as "gravely wounded," he remains mentally alert and involved in governance. He has undergone three surgeries on one leg and will require a prosthetic. His arm has also been operated on and is slowly regaining functionality. Severe burns on his face and lips have made verbal communication challenging, leading him to issue only written statements to avoid appearing weak.

In his absence, decision-making has shifted to the generals, with the Revolutionary Guards currently guiding Iran's power dynamics. Ahmad Vahidi leads this force, while Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former hardline commander, heads the Supreme National Security Council. The report highlights that "ultra-hard-liners" continue to engage in political discussions, while the influence of clerics is waning.

Another influential figure, Yahya Rahim Safavi, remains a key advisor to both the current and previous supreme leaders. Meanwhile, the elected government has been sidelined, with the president and his cabinet focused on maintaining internal stability and ensuring the supply of essential goods. The role of Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has diminished, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf taking a more significant role in shaping foreign relations.

Strategic military decisions, including operations against Israel and Gulf nations, as well as the management of critical maritime routes, are now under the purview of the Guards. They have also facilitated ceasefire negotiations with Washington and have been involved in both backchannel communications and direct discussions. Notably, senior Guard commanders have been included in Iran's negotiation team with the United States for the first time.