'Not in Iran': Israeli source says supreme leader absent as internal power struggle deepens

An Israeli security source has claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "not in Iran," fueling reports of a significant internal power struggle within the country. Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader shortly after his father's death, has not made any public appearances since taking office. He has communicated solely through written statements and was notably absent from his father's funeral. Sources cited by Reuters suggest he is still recovering from severe injuries.

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is not in Iran

The Israeli source told Saudi outlet al-Hadath that Khamenei's official messages are being drafted by the new Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ahmad Vahidi and other high-ranking IRGC members. "Iran's internal divisions are deep and threaten the existence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," the source stated, highlighting the escalating tensions.

Amidst ongoing military escalations between the US and Iran, reports indicate a major power struggle has erupted, dividing ultra-hardline factions from the country's moderate administration. Radical elements have accused the governing leadership of executing a "soft coup" after a 14-point diplomatic agreement with the US. This political volatility manifested as public hostility during the funeral of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was forced to flee a procession after being targeted with rocks by an angry crowd chanting "death to the compromiser."

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Iran's internal divisions are deep and threaten the existence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Hardliners believe the government compromised by signing an accord that contradicts the late supreme leader's directives, instead of retaliating against the US. "Warning to the people of Iran: Is a coup on the way?" hardline lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian questioned on X. Following the funeral, he posted, "In these moments of farewell to the martyred Imam, we raise the banner of vengeance for his blood and stand firm against the coup."

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death to the compromiser

With Mojtaba Khamenei's prolonged absence, chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Araghchi have emerged as key figures guiding post-war Iran. This has left hardliners feeling increasingly isolated and resentful. "Mojtaba's continued absence means that they don't have access to him and also that Ghalibaf and allies are effectively in charge of the country, the ultra-hardliners have thus accused Ghalibaf and Pezeshkian of plotting a 'coup' against Mojtaba," Arash Azizi, a US-based Iran researcher, told CNN. Concurrently, hardliners accuse the visible leadership of betraying the revolution's principles.

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Is a coup on the way?