Is Iran’s New Supreme Leader in Moscow?

March 16, 2026

TL;DR

Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader of Iran, is rumored to be in Moscow for emergency surgery on a wounded leg.
Speculation exists that Mojtaba was severely wounded or even killed in recent US and Israeli strikes.
President Trump has made cryptic comments about Mojtaba's condition and called for international patrols in the Strait of Hormuz.
Arab news outlets report Mojtaba is in Russia for an operation personally offered by Putin.
British newspapers have reported severe injuries, including severed legs and ruptured organs, and that Mojtaba is in a coma.
Iran has only confirmed that Mojtaba is 'wounded', with officials expressing uncertainty about his condition and whereabouts.
President Trump stated that other nations would join the US in escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to send ships to patrol the Strait.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed preparations for escorts and mentioned potential international involvement.
Bessent indicated that Iranian and Chinese flag tankers have been passing through the straits, suggesting they are not mined.

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