Is Iran’s new supreme leader dead? mural featuring Mojtaba Khamenei triggers fresh speculation

TEHRAN: Reports had earlier claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader of Iran, was seriously injured in a US-Israel attack. Some reports also said his face was disfigured and that he was unconscious.

Now, amid ongoing rumours about his health, a new controversy has emerged after his image appeared alongside those killed in the US-Israel attacks. A mural unveiled in Mashhad, in northeastern Iran, includes Mojtaba’s image along with prominent figures who were reportedly killed in the attacks. A video of the unveiling ceremony is widely circulating on social media. Officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were also present at the event.

In Iran, such murals are usually used to honour those killed in war. Including the image of a living leader among the dead is considered unusual. The mural also features an image of Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a US-Israel airstrike on February 28, when the conflict began.

However, the Iranian government and official media have not directly commented on the mural or Mojtaba’s health condition. The official position remains that he is safe and continuing his administrative duties.