Where Is Iran’s ‘Supreme’ Leader Ali Khamenei?

Iranwire – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public for 25 days, sparking widespread speculation about his health, whereabouts, and the stability of the Islamic Republic.

Khamenei’s absence is especially visible as he has missed the Muharram ceremonies he traditionally attends. Across Iran and social media, people are asking whether he is in hiding, has left the country, is gravely ill, or possibly dead.

This prolonged disappearance comes at a moment of heightened tension for Iran, arguably its most critical period since the 1980–88 war with Iraq, marked by military pressure from Israel and escalating domestic political tensions.

What has made the Supreme Leader’s absence more prominent than ever is his absence from the Imam Khomeini Husseiniyeh ceremonies, where he has long presided during Muharram, which has only intensified public concern.

The Supreme Leader’s absence from public view is not a new phenomenon – there have been periods in the past when he was not seen at ceremonies or in media coverage. 

But this time is different. 25 days of complete absence, in the midst of Iran’s most critical days since the eight-year war with Iraq. 

Meanwhile, senior regime figures such as Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and Masoud Pezeshkian have made public appearances at these ceremonies, seemingly to project unity and reassure the Islamic Republic’s stability despite the absence of its top leader.

Khamenei’s disappearance for more than three weeks has prompted a range of theories. Some analysts suggest it could be a strategic move to avoid political accountability amid sensitive negotiations. Others speculate he may have been moved to a secret bunker – possibly in Lavizan, Tehran.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since June 13, the same day as Israel’s military strike on Iranian territory.

In that time, three carefully edited video clips have been released. None offer conclusive evidence of his current location or health. The third video, in particular, sparked more concern among his supporters than reassurance, prompting some social media users to call for prayers for his recovery.

One notable call came from Mehdi Fazaeli, a member of the office responsible for preserving and publishing Khamenei’s works. When asked about the Supreme Leader’s health during a television interview, Fazaeli replied, “He’s fine,” and added, “We should pray. Inshallah [God willing], the people will celebrate this victory alongside the Supreme Leader.”

Further suspicions have been raised by the unusual absence on Khamenei’s official X (formerly Twitter) accounts. While the Persian account continues to share excerpts from past speeches, the English-language account has not been updated since June 26. Its last tweet warned: “The Zionist regime must know that attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran will result in a heavy cost for them.”

Some believe Khamenei may have fled the country. Journalist Asiyeh Amini is among those claiming that “Khamenei was taken to Russia before Israeli forces gained full control of the skies.” She connects this theory to a trip by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Russia and the Islamic Republic’s subsequent acceptance of a ceasefire.

Others argue that given the extent of Israeli and American aerial surveillance, there is no safe haven for Khamenei within Iran.

However, critics argue that it would be nearly impossible for Khamenei to leave Iran undetected.

Still, the debate continues. One user on X posted, “Khamenei has not left Iran for two reasons: first, he knows that fleeing would cost him power, as it has for other rulers. Second, in the end, he doesn’t even trust Russia.”

Khamenei’s prolonged absence – especially his failure to attend the traditional Muharram rituals – has fueled a wave of mockery and protest on social media.

The hashtag #WhereIsKhamenei has gone viral, with many interpreting his disappearance as a sign of weakness, fear, or political disarray within the regime.

Fake “missing person” posters and satirical tweets have circulated widely, reflecting a mix of ridicule and resistance during a volatile moment.

Some critics have taken a theological approach.

Political activist Hossein Razzaq referenced the 12th Shia Imam, tweeting: “Many are asking where Mr. Khamenei is. Let’s not forget – he is the representative of someone [Imam Mahdi, the Shia messiah] believed to have gone into occultation a thousand years ago to preserve his life.”

He added, “So if Khamenei disappears for a few weeks and enters a ‘minor occultation,’ he’s still considered a saint by his supporters. This is what a religious government looks like: ruling the masses by sanctifying illusion.”

Others dismiss the released third video as part of a staged narrative. They suggest the regime is attempting to show Khamenei as weak – not to calm domestic audiences, but to influence U.S. perceptions ahead of possible negotiations.

In this version, moderate leaders are being deployed to present a front of pragmatism, while Khamenei avoids blame and stays removed from direct responsibility.

Supporters, however, see wisdom in his absence. They believe his “leadership and guidance have been key to Iran’s victory.” They argue he needs to be protected.

Amin Tavakoli, a supporter posting on X, compared his absence from this year’s Muharram ceremonies to the COVID-19 era, writing, “During corona, he was present but the people were not. Tonight, the people were present but he did not attend – once on doctors’ advice, and once due to security protocols.”

Mohsen Mehdian, managing editor of Hamshahri newspaper, defended the decision: “His choice not to attend the mourning assembly at Imam Khomeini Husseiniyeh was more than a security measure- it was a multifaceted and powerful action: emotional, epic, rational and symbolic.”

Some political observers suggest Khamenei has been effectively sidelined from the political scene altogether, and the media blackout is a way to condition the public to his eventual absence.

This theory coincides with reports of increased political maneuvering in Iran.

IranWire has previously reported on activity within the camps of both Ali Larijani and former President Hassan Rouhani.

Concerned about the consequences of ongoing conflicts, Rouhani has sought the support of high-ranking clerics in Qom – such as Mousa Shabiri Zanjani, Vahid Khorasani, and Naser Makarem Shirazi – through consultations, hoping to persuade them to intervene and shift the system’s stance.

Warning about the danger of the Islamic Republic’s structure collapsing and weakening the clerical institution, Rouhani sought the authorities’ support for accepting compromise, stopping enrichment, and saving the “Islamic system” from confrontation with the West.

Larijani, the former parliament speaker, also sought to leverage his political clout and family connections and has reportedly been trying to convince Khamenei to approve direct negotiations with the U.S. – presenting himself as “Iran’s savior.”

Alongside these efforts, Reuters reported that Israel’s recent attacks and threats to assassinate Khamenei have accelerated internal discussions about Khamenei’s succession.

Two primary contenders are under consideration: Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder.

Concerns about an assassination attempt on Khamenei are also growing, particularly in light of provocative statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Many believe this threat is real and may explain the Supreme Leader’s disappearance.

Last week, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring that “any person or regime that threatens the leadership and religious authority” of Iran is a mohareb – one who “wages war against God” – and should be put to death.

He added that any Muslims or Islamic regimes cooperating with such individuals also fall under this ruling, saying that it is forbidden under Islamic law.