Iran's political decision-making has shifted as President Masoud Pezeshkian says direct contact with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains difficult, raising questions over governance and diplomacy
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that direct communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently difficult. Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view since surviving the February 2026 US-Israel airstrike that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reports indicate that key decisions are being routed through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), affecting Iran's internal administration, military command structure and ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States and Israel.
Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that direct communication with the country's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains difficult, as reports continue to indicate changes in Iran's decision-making structure following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this year.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader after the Assembly of Experts selected him following the February 28, 2026, joint US-Israeli airstrike that killed his father. Since then, he has not appeared publicly, and his absence has drawn attention within Iran and internationally.
According to President Pezeshkian, communication with the Supreme Leader remains limited, although he rejected speculation questioning Mojtaba Khamenei's status.
"Contacting him is currently difficult. But the feeling that he is with us gives us strength to move forward," President Masoud Pezeshkian said while dismissing reports that questioned the Supreme Leader's condition.
The president also stated that misinformation was being circulated regarding the Supreme Leader and urged people not to rely on unverified claims.
Mojtaba Khamenei's communication affects Iran's leadership
Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei has been issuing instructions through written communications rather than appearing publicly. His absence has extended for more than five months following the February airstrike in which he reportedly sustained multiple injuries.
He also did not attend the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an absence that attracted attention because of the significance of the ceremony.
According to official statements from Iranian authorities and comments made by senior US officials, Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive but continues to face physical limitations resulting from injuries suffered during the airstrike.
Iranian diplomatic sources and intelligence assessments have reported that he sustained burns to his face and lips, injuries to his hands, arms and legs, underwent reconstructive treatment and is awaiting a prosthetic leg. Officials have maintained that while he remains mentally capable of performing his responsibilities, his physical condition limits his public engagements.
Reports further indicate that he is staying in a secure underground location, believed to be in Tehran or near the religious city of Qom, under strict security arrangements.
IRGC role expands in Iran political decisions
President Pezeshkian's remarks have renewed attention on the expanding role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran's governance.
According to multiple reports, Mojtaba Khamenei has delegated substantial operational authority to IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi, allowing the military establishment to oversee several strategic decisions, including matters linked to national security and foreign affairs.
The development has reduced the civilian administration's involvement in key policy decisions.
Earlier this year, President Pezeshkian had reportedly offered to resign after expressing concern that his government was being excluded from major decisions concerning foreign policy and military strategy.
The office of the Supreme Leader remains the highest constitutional authority in Iran, exercising control over the armed forces and maintaining final authority on national policy. As a result, the civilian government operates within a framework where strategic decisions ultimately require approval from the Supreme Leader.
Iran foreign policy faces decision-making challenges
The limited accessibility of Mojtaba Khamenei has also affected diplomatic engagement involving Iran.
President Pezeshkian stated that direct interaction with the Supreme Leader is difficult, making consultations on strategic issues more complex during ongoing international discussions.
According to available reports, Mojtaba Khamenei has avoided using electronic communication platforms, including phones and computers, because of security concerns linked to electronic surveillance by foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Israel's Mossad.
This communication method has reportedly slowed the flow of information between Iran's civilian administration and the office of the Supreme Leader.
Mojtaba Khamenei's health and public absence
Statements from senior Iranian officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive and continues to perform his constitutional responsibilities despite physical limitations.
Officials have stated that his injuries continue to affect mobility and speech, limiting his ability to participate in public events.
His continued absence from public appearances, combined with the reliance on written directives and indirect communication, has placed greater responsibility on senior military officials and advisers involved in implementing policy decisions.
