Mojtaba Khamenei has served as Iran's Supreme Leader since his appointment by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026, following the February 28 assassination of his father Ali Khamenei during the opening strikes of the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. He has issued written statements on military, economic, and religious matters but has made no verified public appearances, attended his father's July funeral, or released audio or video, with officials attributing the seclusion to security threats and injuries sustained in the initial attack. Iranian sources and President Masoud Pezeshkian describe meetings confirming his continued authority from secure locations inside the country, while regime media has released proof-of-life accounts and appointments to counter speculation about his health or status. Analysts note that his leadership role, combined with assassination risks and the need to project institutional continuity, favors remaining in Iran over departure, though war developments, potential ceasefires, or shifts in collective decision-making could alter security calculations within the resolution window.