Iran’s Injured Supreme Leader Remains Central to War Strategy, US Intelligence Reports US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is playing a critical role in shaping the country’s war strategy despite his severe injuries sustained during an attack that killed his father and several top military officials at the start of the conflict. According to multiple sources familiar with the intelligence, Khamenei, who has not been publicly seen since the attack, is likely involved in directing Iran’s negotiations with the United States to end the war. However, the precise extent of his authority within the fractured Iranian regime remains unclear. Khamenei was appointed supreme leader shortly after the attack, which occurred at the beginning of the war. Despite his injuries, including burns on his face, arm, torso, leg, and a shrapnel wound behind his ear, he has remained isolated, receiving medical treatment without using electronic communication. Instead, he interacts only with those who visit him in person or receive messages via courier. Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in the supreme leader’s office, claimed Khamenei is “now in complete health,” though he acknowledged minor injuries to his foot and lower back. Hosseini dismissed rumors about Khamenei’s condition, urging patience until the leader is ready to speak publicly. The Trump administration continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, with a ceasefire stretching past a month. US intelligence reports suggest Iran has managed to retain significant military capabilities despite US bombing campaigns, with estimates indicating that two-thirds of its missile launchers have survived. The ongoing ceasefire has allowed Iran to recover and reposition its forces, according to sources.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #mohammad_bagher_ghalibaf #mohjtaba_khamenei #mazaher_hosseini
Iran Cannot Compete at World Cup, Sports Minister Says The Iranian sports minister claimed Wednesday that the country cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following airstrikes by the United States and Israel. Ahmad Donyamali reportedly told Iranian state television that Iran would not take part in the tournament, stating, "Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup." Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the initial wave of attacks, and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since assumed leadership. The nation was scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles in June—against New Zealand and Belgium—before facing Egypt in Seattle in their final group stage game. However, their participation became uncertain after the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on February 28. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed hope that Iran would still compete, citing a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Infantino shared on social media that Trump had assured him Iran would be "welcome" to the tournament. Trump had previously stated he "really didn’t care" if Iran played, but Infantino emphasized that Trump supported the team’s involvement. "The Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino wrote, adding that the World Cup could "bring people together now more than ever." Despite these assurances, Iranian officials voiced skepticism. Mehdi Taj, Iran’s top soccer official and a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, said last week, "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.#iran #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #ahmad_donyamali #mohjtaba_khamenei #gianni_infantino
