Tehran/Qom: Questions are mounting over the health and whereabouts of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after a report claimed he is in a serious medical condition and unable to function.

According to a diplomatic memo cited by The Times, the 56-year-old cleric is currently being treated in the holy city of Qom, marking the first time his location has been publicly revealed since he took over leadership earlier this year.

“Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime,” the document stated.

The memo, reportedly based on intelligence shared by the US and Israel with Gulf allies, claims Khamenei was left unconscious and critically ill after the same strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei.

Located about 140 km south of Tehran, Qom is considered the religious heart of Shia Islam in Iran and holds deep political and clerical significance. It is also where preparations are reportedly underway for the burial of the elder Khamenei.

Reports suggest construction planning has begun for a large mausoleum with multiple graves, raising concerns about the health of the current Supreme Leader as well.

Unseen leader, rising questions

Since being appointed in early March, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public even once. While Iranian state media has aired statements attributed to him, no verified audio or video of the leader has been released.

Tehran has acknowledged that he was wounded in the airstrikes that killed several members of his family, including his wife and son. However, officials maintain that he remains “in charge.”

At the same time, conflicting reports have emerged, some claiming he is in a coma, others suggesting serious injuries—adding to the uncertainty.

An AI-generated video released by Iranian authorities showing Khamenei in a war room has done little to quell speculation.