The Times: Mojtaba Khamenei unconscious in hospital

Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is unconscious and undergoing treatment in the city of Qom, according to news reports, raising doubts about his ability to run the country. The Times reports that the assessment is based on a diplomatic memorandum drawing on US and Israeli intelligence.

According to the document, Mojtaba Khamenei is in serious condition and unable to participate in decision-making. The information also reportedly revealed his whereabouts in Qom for the first time, a major centre of Shia Islam.

Preparations are also under way in the same city for the funeral of his father, Ali Khamenei. Intelligence services have noted work on a large mausoleum with several graves, suggesting that other family members could also be buried there.

Iran has confirmed that the new leader suffered injuries in the attack that killed his parents, wife and son. He has not appeared in public since the start of the war, and his statements have instead been read out on state television.

(bak)