A voice, no face: Iran president’s meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei sparks mystery

Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location in Tehran for a brief meeting with newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but a report has claimed that the encounter took place in a dark, tinted-window vehicle where the two men could not see each other.

According to reports by Iran International, Pezeshkian later questioned whether the person inside the vehicle was actually Mojtaba Khamenei because he only heard a voice during the meeting.

The report has intensified ongoing speculation about the Iranian leader’s prolonged absence from public view since he succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pezeshkian’s account differs from reported details

Earlier, Pezeshkian had publicly said that he met Mojtaba Khamenei for around two and a half hours in what he described as a cordial and direct discussion.

However, the report claimed that the actual meeting lasted only a few minutes and took place after repeated requests from Pezeshkian to meet the supreme leader.

The president was reportedly not allowed to visit the official residence of the supreme leader. Instead, security officials allegedly arranged the meeting at a secret location, where communication took place only through voices.

The report claimed that security personnel prevented physical contact, including a handshake, adding to questions surrounding the unusual arrangement.

Growing uncertainty over Mojtaba Khamenei’s public absence

Mojtaba Khamenei has continued issuing written statements through official channels but has not appeared publicly or delivered speeches since becoming Iran’s supreme leader.

His absence has fuelled speculation about his health, ability to govern and the level of involvement of other powerful institutions within Iran’s political system.

Iranian officials have not released a detailed explanation for his lack of public appearances.

Reports raise health concerns around Iran’s leader

Separate reports have claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei has not met cabinet members since February 2026 and that rumours about his health condition are circulating among political circles in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was quoted in reports saying that only a limited number of people have seen Mojtaba Khamenei since he assumed power.

Earlier claims by foreign intelligence sources suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei may have suffered injuries during a February 2026 strike, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed those reports.

International speculation adds to uncertainty

The uncertainty around Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition has also attracted international attention.

US President Donald Trump previously suggested there was a high possibility that Mojtaba Khamenei had been killed, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said he believed the Iranian leader was alive.

No independent confirmation has been provided regarding either claim.

The controversy comes as Iran continues dealing with regional tensions, negotiations with the United States and the aftermath of military strikes that reportedly affected senior officials.

The lack of public appearances by the supreme leader has raised questions about transparency, decision-making and the balance of power within Iran’s leadership structure.