Is Mojtaba Khamenei Dead? Last Tuesday, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei hosted a wake for his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Among the thousands who gathered at Tehran’s largest mosque were Iran’s most prominent political figures and several of the elder Khamenei’s sons. Notably absent was Mojtaba, the event’s official host. His absence sparked speculation, as even his close friends and relatives had not seen him in recent weeks. Mohammad Hossein Khoshvaght, a former official and relative of Mojtaba, noted that fewer than five people had met with him since his rise to power, citing security precautions. The rationale for his seclusion is rooted in perceived threats. Mojtaba, like his father, is a likely target for Israeli or U.S. strikes, given the 2024 air attack that killed Ali Khamenei. Direct communication from him could provide adversaries with intelligence on his location. Additionally, Mojtaba sustained injuries during the February strike on his family, which have reportedly hindered his ability to make public appearances. These factors have fueled speculation about his health and whereabouts. Rumors of his death have intensified in recent weeks, with some government insiders and officials suggesting he may have succumbed to his injuries. A staffer at a Tehran-based government institution told the author that Mojtaba “has either passed away or is brain-dead,” citing a decline in communication from his office. At least two other officials echoed this claim, with one asserting that Mojtaba had died or become incapacitated earlier this month. The uncertainty has led to further developments.#masoud_pezeshkian #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #tehran #mojtaba_khamenei #national_security_council
Indian Army Deputy Chief Appointed as National Security Council's Military Adviser Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army and previously leading military operations as Director General of Military Operations during Operation Sindoor last year, has been appointed as the new Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat. This marks a historic milestone, as Ghai becomes the first serving military officer to hold the position within the NSCS, which operates under the guidance of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The appointment was finalized earlier this week, with Ghai expected to take up his duties shortly. Ghai’s tenure in the Indian Army extends until December 2027, and his new role is seen as a strategic move to integrate operational expertise into the nation’s highest national security decision-making framework. The NSCS, a critical body for coordinating defense and security policies, has previously been occupied by senior military leaders such as General N.S. Raja Subramani, who later became Chief of Defence Staff, and Air Marshal Sandeep Singh. Before Subramani, General Anil Chauhan held the position. Ghai’s appointment underscores the emphasis on military input in shaping national security strategies. Commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment, Ghai has held numerous key operational and command roles throughout his career. His leadership during Operation Sindoor, which involved complex military coordination, has positioned him as a key figure in India’s defense planning. The decision to appoint a serving officer to the NSCS reflects a shift toward closer collaboration between the military and civilian leadership in addressing security challenges.#indian_army #operation_sindoor #ajit_doval #rajiv_ghai #national_security_council
