The Vanishing Leader of Iran: The Mystery Surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei | With Beni Sabti
Months after inheriting his father's position, the new Supreme Leader of Iran is neither seen nor heard in public – only written messages, no voice, no appearance. How can one rule a country in a totalitarian manner when the people do not see their leader, and what do Western intelligence reports say about his physical and mental state? Beni Sabti, an Iran researcher at the INSS, explains who is actually making the decisions in Iran right now – and why it doesn't matter if Mojtaba is truly there or not.
Listen to 'The Headline' — the daily news podcast of ynet. This time: on the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei.
'According to Western intelligence evidence and Donald Trump's statements, it is quite clear that Mojtaba is alive and functioning mentally. He receives messages and intelligence through a few select individuals from the Revolutionary Guards. He does not use any electronic means, receives information, and issues directives. An interesting event has been created. He is the first Supreme Leader who is not seen. He does not verify the implementation of his directives as his father did. So the messengers who receive messages from him can do whatever they want. This disconnect does not work in his favor or in favor of his image,' explains Beni Sabti, an Iran researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).
'Mojtaba was born in the late 60s, in the last decade of the previous regime. His father was very ascetic and very strict in his youth regarding religious matters. He was educated according to this path. In his youth, in the first years after the revolution, Mojtaba met many rigid people who followed his father's path — both teachers and religious figures. They were people who advocated dogmatism and were not compromising regarding religious commandments — not only inside the home but throughout Iran. His policy and his worldview as a leader are very influenced by this period.
Already in 2005, Mojtaba became known. His name was linked to interference in the elections, and he was perceived as the one who brought about the election of Ahmadinejad. He constantly pushed for dogmatism and extremism. There are all sorts of rumors about Mojtaba's condition. According to reports, he was in the same place that was bombed on February 28, where his father was killed. But apparently, he was in another room. There is intelligence saying that his face was very severely damaged, and therefore it is difficult for him to appear in public. However, it is evident from his messages that it is Mojtaba. There are all sorts of characteristics — the use of the word 'revenge', the extreme messages, the emphasis on the place of his family and his father. It may be that someone is writing for him or changing the words a little — but there is no doubt that Mojtaba is there. But it doesn't really matter — the one who rules Iran is the Revolutionary Guards. They can continue with this matter for years. This event is in their hands — if they are not dealt with, it does not matter if Mojtaba is alive or not.'
If you missed it: you are invited to listen to another episode of ours, about the agreement between the USA and Saudi Arabia, and whether it brings us closer to normalization.
