Iran's New Leader Mujtaba Issues Only Written Statement During Nowruz, US and Israeli Intelligence Agencies Struggle to Assess His Actual Condition

Gate News reports that on March 21, during Norouz, the CIA, Mossad, and other intelligence agencies around the world closely monitored whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mujtaba, would follow his father’s tradition and deliver a New Year message. However, Mujtaba only issued a written statement, did not appear publicly or release a video, and his health, whereabouts, and role in the war remain even more mysterious.

Since his father’s assassination, Israel has made it clear that Mujtaba is their primary target. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that Mujtaba was injured in a previous attack and is “likely disfigured.” But three weeks have passed, and Mujtaba has not even released a pre-recorded video statement.

U.S. and Israeli intelligence indicate that Mujtaba is still alive, with evidence suggesting Iranian officials have attempted to arrange meetings with him. A U.S. official said the Trump national security team is still assessing who is truly in control of Tehran. An Israeli senior official stated, “There is no evidence that Mujtaba is actually issuing orders.” Director of the CIA William R. Burns and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency James Clapper testified that the Iranian regime is experiencing a serious command and control crisis, but there are no signs of imminent collapse.