Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has largely remained out of the public eye since assuming power after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel strike on February 28. There have been no direct video or audio addresses from Mojtaba since he took charge. His statements have instead been limited to written messages circulated on social media or read out on state television. According to a report by The New York Times, the Iranian leader is avoiding a public appearance to prevent appearing vulnerable or weak during his initial days in power. Senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and top government officials are reportedly refraining from meeting him in person, concerned that Israel could trace his location through them and target him.
Cracks In Iranian Leadership
Even as Iran projects an image of unity, questions are emerging about internal stability. The country is reportedly grappling with a deep economic crisis triggered by the ongoing war with the US and Israel.
The issue gained traction after Donald Trump claimed that divisions had surfaced within Tehran’s leadership. In response, senior Iranian officials issued coordinated statements dismissing any suggestion of a split.
However, accounts circulating in political circles within Iran, along with reports cited by opposition outlet Iran International, indicate a more complicated situation behind the scenes.
Confidential Letter Signals Divide In Iranian Leadership
A confidential letter sent to Mojtaba Khamenei by senior officials has reportedly warned that Iran’s economic situation has become severe and unsustainable, urging serious engagement with the United States over the nuclear issue.
The letter, not intended for public release, was addressed privately and reportedly signed by key figures including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Masoud Pezeshkian, Abbas Araghchi and Mostafa Pourmohammadi. Some officials, including Ali Bagheri Kani, are said to have declined to sign it.
Observers view the letter as evidence of a growing divide within Iran’s leadership over whether to pursue negotiations or continue confrontation.
Iran Issues Warning After Letter Appears On Social Media
Reports suggest that the confidential document was later shown to individuals outside a restricted circle, sparking outrage among officials.
An aide to Ghalibaf, Jalil Mohebbi, issued a warning on social media, stating that leaking classified government correspondence could lead to up to 10 years in prison under Iranian law. He described such an act as “unforgivable”.
A Telegram channel also referred to the existence of an “important confidential letter” and questioned why certain officials were directly communicating with senior figures within the system.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
