Times: Intelligence memo claims Iran’s supreme leader "unconscious"

Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is “unconscious” and unable to carry out his duties, according to a diplomatic intelligence memo reportedly based on U.S. and Israeli assessments.

The memo, shared with Gulf allies and seen by The Times, states that Khamenei, 56, is being treated for a severe medical condition in the religious city of Qom.

It reads: “Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision making by the regime.”

The report marks the first public indication of his whereabouts since he assumed leadership following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war.

Iranian state media previously said Mojtaba Khamenei had suffered a “minor” leg injury in the strike that killed his father, as well as his mother, wife, and one of his sons. However, authorities have not explained his continued absence from public view.

It remains unclear whether he has been unconscious since the initial attack or sustained additional injuries later. The memo suggests his condition is significantly more serious than previously disclosed.

Qom, regarded as Iran’s religious capital, is also reportedly where Ali Khamenei’s body is being prepared for burial. According to the memo, work is underway in the city to “build a large mausoleum” with space for “more than one grave,” indicating that other family members may be buried alongside the late leader.

A previously scheduled state funeral for Ali Khamenei was postponed, with officials citing “anticipation of unprecedented turnout.”

Since assuming power, two statements attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei have been broadcast on state television, though both were read by presenters rather than delivered in person. On April 6, state media released footage purporting to show him entering a war room and analyzing a map of an Israeli nuclear power plant. The video has since been confirmed to be AI-generated.

Opposition groups have previously claimed that Khamenei is in a coma. So far, no independent evidence has emerged to confirm or refute those claims.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is negotiating with Iranian representatives but has clarified that he is not in contact with the supreme leader.

Separately, leaked audio attributed to Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for the regime, described how Mojtaba Khamenei survived the strike on his father’s compound in Tehran.

The audio states: “God's will was that Mojtaba had to go out to the yard to do something and then return. He was outside and was heading upstairs when they struck the building with a missile. His wife, Ms Haddad, was martyred instantly.”

The Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the latest intelligence claims.

By Sabina Mammadli