Video | Why does Iran's new Supreme Leader rarely speak out? Experts analyze

Ask AI · How does Mojtaba Khamenei influence Iran’s war decisions without appearing in public?

Recently, conflicting information has been released regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood. During this process, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf have frequently made public appearances and statements, while Iran’s newly elected Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has had very little news released. How should we view this situation? Is this a measure to prevent targeted elimination by the U.S. and Israel?

Rarely speaking may be to ensure the new Supreme Leader’s safety.

Special Commentator Li Shaoxian: Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, the new Supreme Leader of Iran has never appeared in public, and very little personal information has been released. The public figures frequently speaking out are President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and Speaker Qalibaf. In fact, at the onset of the conflict on February 28, after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba was elected as the new Supreme Leader on March 8. Since then, apart from a written statement read by a television announcer on March 12, he has not appeared in public or made any statements.

Regarding this phenomenon, I believe it is necessary to ensure the safety of the new leader in the current perilous environment of war, and it is also closely related to the reports that Mojtaba was injured in an Israeli attack, as well as his consistently low-profile personal style.

However, judging from Iran’s performance in the war during this period, it has essentially adhered to the principles and policies outlined in Mojtaba’s written statement from the 12th, so it can be confirmed that the new leader is clearly guiding and influencing Iran’s actions and performance in the war through secure channels.

Are there only three influential figures left in Iranian politics before the war?

Special Commentator Li Shaoxian: Regarding the frequent appearances of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and Speaker Qalibaf, I believe this phenomenon is easier to understand. The simple fact is that among the influential figures in Iranian politics prior to the war, these three are the only ones remaining, as others have been eliminated, especially following Larijani’s assassination. The U.S. president’s statement that the U.S. is negotiating with authoritative figures is widely believed to refer to contacts with Qalibaf and Amir-Abdollahian.

Mojtaba is the “core” influencing Iran’s actions and performance.

△ Mojtaba (data image)

Special Commentator Li Shaoxian: We have seen rumors that the U.S. has notified Israel not to include Qalibaf and Amir-Abdollahian on the assassination list for the time being. In fact, this also indicates that the U.S. president does not know which Iranian official to approach or who is in charge. However, I have always believed that the operation of the Iranian regime has not been disrupted; regardless of who represents Iran in future negotiations with the U.S., the ultimate decision-making power still lies with the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba.