In a written statement rather than a filmed appearance, and not for the first time, Iranian state television read out a written declaration attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei saying: “This is not the end of the war, but all military units must obey orders and uphold the ceasefire.” The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.
As a reminder, since his father was assassinated and he was appointed the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba has not been seen in public, no footage of him has been released, and speculation about his fate has not ceased.
Only yesterday, The Times published an investigation claiming that Khamenei’s son is hospitalized in a coma at a hospital in the Shiite holy city of Qom. About two weeks ago, US President Donald Trump said that Mojtaba Khamenei was in serious condition and that it was not even known whether he was alive.
In Iran, by contrast, authorities have tried to project business as usual and have from time to time published written statements in his name, but without any proof that he is in fact still alive.
