Mojtaba Khamenei plays key role in Iranian war strategy, US intelligence says

American intelligence services believe that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, plays a central role in developing Tehran’s military strategy and in guiding discussions with the United States, according to a report published by CNN on the night of Friday to Saturday.

According to several sources close to American intelligence, Khamenei remains involved in the regime’s strategic decisions despite his worrying state of health. The Iranian leader has not appeared publicly since the opening strike of the Israeli operation “Lion’s Roar”, during which he was reportedly seriously injured.

According to information relayed by CNN, Mojtaba Khamenei still lives in almost total isolation and avoids the use of any electronic device to communicate, only speaking with authorized visitors. He reportedly continues to receive medical treatment for severe burns to his face, arm, torso and one leg.

However, several American sources affirm that its real role in the daily management of power remains difficult to assess. Some officials believe that he would now be removed from the operational process, leaving the Revolutionary Guards and the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to manage a large part of day-to-day affairs.

“There is no indication that he gives orders on a permanent basis, but there is also no evidence that he does not do so,” said a source cited by CNN.

This uncertainty complicates the diplomatic efforts of the Trump administration, while Washington is still trying to negotiate an agreement with Tehran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Friday that “the Iranian system remains deeply dysfunctional.”

At the same time, the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting ten people and companies, notably based in China and Hong Kong, accused of having helped Iran obtain weapons and raw materials intended for the manufacture of drones Shahed and ballistic missiles.

These sanctions come a few days before Donald Trump’s planned visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping.