The prolonged absence of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from public view has reportedly become one of the highest-priority intelligence concerns for the United States and Israel, with reports claiming that both the CIA and Mossad are actively trying to determine his location and operational status.

According to reports citing Western intelligence sources, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of the public eye for nearly five months after assuming Iran's highest political and religious office in March 2026, following the reported death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a US-Israeli strike on Tehran's leadership compound.

Since taking over, Mojtaba has not delivered a televised address, appeared at public events or engaged in conventional official communications, creating uncertainty over his whereabouts and the extent of his control over Iran's leadership.

Intelligence Agencies Face Tracking Challenges

Reports indicate that American and Israeli intelligence agencies have struggled to trace Mojtaba Khamenei because of an unusually strict security protocol.

Unlike previous Iranian leaders, he is believed to avoid using mobile phones, computers and other digital communication devices. Intelligence officials quoted in international media claim that he relies on handwritten messages delivered through trusted couriers associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The absence of electronic communications has significantly limited intelligence agencies' ability to intercept messages or monitor his movements.

Underground Bunker Speculation

Security analysts believe Mojtaba Khamenei may be operating from a heavily fortified underground command facility in Tehran or from a network of secure locations near the religious city of Qom.

Some former intelligence officials have also suggested that Iran could be employing elaborate deception measures, including the use of security decoys, to conceal the Supreme Leader's location.

His continued disappearance from public life has also sparked speculation regarding his health following the military strike that reportedly killed his father earlier this year.

Although US intelligence assessments reportedly indicate that Mojtaba remains alive and continues to exercise authority, rumours persist that he may have suffered injuries during the attack.

Leadership Questions Continue

Questions over Iran's leadership intensified after Mojtaba skipped the country's traditional Nowruz address in March, choosing instead to release a brief written statement through official communication channels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly stated that he has personally met the Supreme Leader, although intelligence agencies reportedly remain uncertain about when and where those meetings occurred.

The lack of visual confirmation has fuelled continued speculation among international observers regarding the functioning of Iran's political leadership.

IRGC Playing Larger Role

The reports come at a time of continuing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, including concerns over nuclear infrastructure, regional security and maritime activity around the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts believe Mojtaba's rise to power received strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has assumed an increasingly prominent role in military decision-making and internal security during his absence from public life.

Western governments are closely monitoring whether the IRGC has gained greater influence over Iran's strategic and defence policies while the Supreme Leader continues to operate under extraordinary secrecy.

Growing International Attention

The unusual level of secrecy surrounding Iran's highest office has made Mojtaba Khamenei one of the most closely watched figures in international intelligence circles.

While Iranian authorities have maintained that the country's leadership remains fully functional, the absence of public appearances has continued to generate speculation about decision-making inside Tehran and the balance of power between civilian institutions and the military establishment.

Officials in Washington and Tel Aviv have not publicly commented on the reported intelligence operations, but analysts believe developments surrounding Iran's leadership will remain under close international scrutiny amid ongoing regional tensions.