Iran's New Supreme Leader Missing as Power Splits Between Rival Institutions

Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed supreme leader after his father's death in a February 2026 airstrike, has not appeared publicly since, citing Israeli threats. His absence during the funeral period leaves Iran's top clerical post vacant in practice. The system requires a visible leader; instead, the IRGC and Guardian Council are making decisions independently, fragmenting authority during a military transition.