Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of public view since his father's death. His written statements signal a hardline stance towards the United States. Reports suggest he was wounded in the same attack which killed his father. Questions about his health and whereabouts persist amid ongoing conflict. Senior Iranian figures are shaping the country's direction in his absence.

Khamenei has not been seen publicly since taking up the role, most notably failing to attend his own father’s public funeral proceedings in Tehran last month.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has stepped into one of the most powerful positions in the Islamic Republic after years of operating largely behind the scenes.