• Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries due to an airstrike.
• Despite injuries, Khamenei remains mentally sharp, engaged in key decision-making.
• His condition raises questions about Iran's leadership amid ongoing negotiations with the US.
• No verified images or recordings of him since the airstrike on February 28.
• High-stakes peace talks with the US are currently underway in Islamabad.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, is recovering from severe and disfiguring injuries sustained in an airstrike that killed his father, according to sources close to his inner circle. The airstrike, which occurred on February 28, resulted in significant injuries to Khamenei's face and legs, and took place at the supreme leader's compound in Tehran. The sources noted that despite the severity of his injuries, the 56-year-old leader is still mentally sharp and participating in decision-making processes, including discussions related to the ongoing war and negotiations with Washington, as reported by Reuters, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

The question of Khamenei's capacity to govern arises at a critical moment for Iran, particularly with peace talks with the United States beginning in Islamabad. Reports indicate that no verified visuals or audio of Khamenei have been released since the airstrike, which has fueled speculation about his health and ability to lead. These suspicions are compounded by earlier media reports, suggesting he might be in a "severe" condition, with some unverified sources even alleging he has fallen into a coma, as highlighted by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Following the airstrike that also claimed the life of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and other family members, there is notable uncertainty surrounding who is effectively running Iran's government. While Khamenei is described as mentally alert and involved in high-level meetings via audio conferencing, other officials are reportedly making significant state decisions without his direct oversight, according to reports from India Times, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

As Khamenei's public visibility remains nil, Iranian social media is abuzz with memes and conspiracy theories questioning his condition and who is guiding the regime. While some government supporters advocate for Khamenei to maintain a low profile due to threats from US and Israeli airstrikes, the lack of transparency only deepens the public's concern regarding Iran's leadership during this volatile period, as stated by India Times and Reuters.