'Not in Iran': Israeli source says supreme leader absent as internal power struggle deepens
Reports suggest Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently outside the country amid a deepening internal power struggle. Hardline factions are reportedly challenging the government's recent diplomatic agreement with the US, leading to public unrest and political instability.
Why it matters
The potential power vacuum and internal division in Iran could significantly alter regional security dynamics and the future of US-Iran diplomatic relations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei "is not in Iran," according to an Israeli security source cited by Saudi outlet al-Hadath said on Sunday. This is followed by reports of a major internal power struggle in Tehran.Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader shortly after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has had no public appearances and has communicated exclusively through written statements since taking office. He was even absent at his father's funeral.
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