Amid the conflict, which is seen as an existential threat to the regime that has ruled the country for nearly half a century, Khamenei is conspicuously absent.
Instead, statements attributed to him are read on national television or posted on social media.
The regime has even used AI-generated videos to show Khamenei delivering messages, fueling speculation that the new supreme leader is incapacitated or abroad.
This is in complete contrast to his father, the late Ali Khamenei, who for decades was a very visible face of Iranian decision-making, and under whose leadership not a week passed without a speech, decision or carefully timed intervention, writes CNN.
Who actually makes the decisions?
A source told CNN last month that Khamenei suffered a broken foot, an eye injury and minor cuts in the same wave of attacks that killed his father and Iran’s top military commanders.
Another Reuters report said he was taking part in meetings with senior officials via audio conference and was involved in decision-making on key issues, including the war and new negotiations with Washington.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group says he appears to be “unable to make key decisions or manage negotiations” but that the system uses his name for final approval of general decisions.
“The system deliberately emphasizes his involvement because it provides protection from internal criticism … unlike his father, who regularly came forward and commented on the progress of the negotiations,” he added.
“Mojtaba has disappeared from the public scene, so attributing positions to him serves as a good cover for negotiators from criticism.”
“Very sensible people”
US President Donald Trump said: “We are doing business with different people than ever before”, describing them as “reasonable”.
Due to the non-transparent political system in Iran, it is difficult to get clear answers, but the longer Khamenei remains out of the public eye, the questions become louder.
US Vice President JD Vance said the Iranian delegation had to return for approval from the “supreme leader or someone else”.
A battle for survival
Analysts warn that the system has become harder and more ideologically rigid.
Danny Citrinowicz stated: “If negotiations were difficult before the conflict, now they are much more complex.”
Confusion and pressures
“It’s very difficult to manage it … it’s an indication of a real dilemma,” Hamidreza Azizi said.
“They have to walk a tightrope, balancing all these domestic and external pressures.”
(Vijesti.ba)
