The absence of Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, from the public eye has triggered a wave of conspiracy theories, some of which directly implicate Russian President Vladimir Putin. The 56-year-old cleric, who assumed leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, has not made a public appearance since the war began. With the US insisting through propaganda that Iran's new leader is either dead or severely disfigured, and Israel claiming to have destroyed his aircraft, a scenario has circulated in recent hours suggesting the Iranian leader was secretly transported to Russia for medical treatment after being wounded in the conflict's opening strikes. According to these claims, he may be recovering in a private medical facility linked to one of Vladimir Putin’s residences.
However, neither Iranian nor Russian authorities have confirmed these reports, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty and speculation.
"No comment" from the Kremlin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to provide answers regarding the information. "No comment," he replied when asked if Mojtaba Khamenei had arrived in Moscow to seek medical care. The information originated from the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, which reported that Khamenei was secretly flown out of Iran on a private Russian military aircraft last Thursday (March 12, 2026) to undergo surgery in Moscow, which was allegedly "successful." According to the same report, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed Khamenei’s treatment in Russia during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to these same sources, the new Iranian leader's first official speech was not written by him, but by the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, while Khamenei was reportedly not even informed of the speech's contents.
Why would Iran's leader seek treatment in Russia?
The alleged transfer of Khamenei was reportedly motivated by both security and health concerns. Under this scenario, Iranian authorities may have feared that hospitals within Iran could become targets or that information regarding Khamenei’s location could be leaked. Some reports claim that the injuries sustained during the initial bombing campaign required advanced surgical care and constant monitoring, which would be difficult to guarantee within a war-torn region. Security concerns reportedly intensified after Israeli officials suggested the new Iranian leader could be a potential target during the conflict. As a result, keeping his location secret would be seen as critical for his safety. However, Iranian officials have confirmed neither Khamenei’s transfer to Russia nor his hospitalization.
The role of Putin
Certain reports claim that Vladimir Putin personally offered to provide medical care to Mojtaba Khamenei during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to these allegations, Iranian authorities considered the proposal before approving the transfer to Russia. Following this decision, Russian doctors, supported by Iranian medical specialists, allegedly began his treatment at a private facility. However, no official confirmation has been issued by either government regarding this alleged phone call or the medical operation.
Rumors of injury
Rumors regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition vary widely. Some reports claim he remains hospitalized following injuries to parts of his body during the strikes that killed his father. Other reports have suggested more serious conditions, including claims that he may be in intensive care or even unconscious. None of these claims have been independently verified. The fact that the Iranian leader has made no public appearance or direct communication fuels these conspiracy theories. Since taking office, Khamenei has not appeared on television, delivered a live speech, or issued a recorded message to the public. Analysts say this absence has fueled speculation about whether he is injured, recovering in secret, or simply being protected from potential assassination attempts.
US propaganda
Rumors surrounding Khamenei's condition gained global attention following comments by US President Donald Trump, who told reporters: "I don't know if he's even alive. So far, no one has been able to show him." The American president also described reports of the Iranian leader’s death as a rumor but suggested that Tehran should consider ending the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that Israeli intelligence services might have information on Khamenei’s condition and location but refused to share details publicly. "I will not provide him with life insurance," Netanyahu asserted. These remarks reinforced speculation that intelligence agencies may know more about the Iranian leader's status than has been made public.
Why does Khamenei’s disappearance raise questions?
One of the primary drivers behind the growing rumors is Mojtaba Khamenei’s total absence from public view. Since the conflict escalated and leadership shifted in Tehran, he has not appeared publicly or sent a direct message. In Iran’s political system, the Supreme Leader typically appears frequently at public events or in televised speeches, especially during wartime. His prolonged silence has therefore raised questions among observers and analysts regarding his current role in guiding the country’s military strategy.
The mystery continues
Despite widespread rumors of injuries, transfer, or secret treatment abroad, there is still no confirmed information regarding the exact location or medical status of Mojtaba Khamenei. Officials in Iran have provided no clear details, and Russian authorities have also remained silent regarding the reports. Until verified information emerges, speculation as to whether Iran's new Supreme Leader is recovering in Russia, hiding for security reasons, or operating quietly in the background is likely to persist.
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