Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Wednesday, in an interview on official Iranian TV, that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "extremely difficult" at present. Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since assuming the Supreme Leader position, succeeding his father,
assassinated during initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026. Statements from the younger Khamenei remain limited to written texts published via official media and government accounts, lacking new photos, audio, or video. Close sources attribute this to
health and security considerations. Pezeshkian had previously stated in a July 21 video that "interaction" with the Supreme Leader was "increasing day by day," before last week acknowledging the current communication difficulty. Reports on Mojtaba Khamenei's health vary; three close
sources told Reuters in April the attack caused severe face and leg injuries, while other reports suggest he is well and performing duties despite them.
