Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued only written statements since his March 2026 appointment by the Assembly of Experts following his father’s assassination in late-February U.S.-Israeli strikes, with no verified video, audio, or in-person public appearance in the ensuing six months. He skipped the July state funeral amid reports of injuries sustained in the same attack and ongoing security threats during the active conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s September 12 confirmation that Khamenei remains alive and exercises final authority addressed recent health rumors, yet regime officials continue citing security needs for the seclusion while analysts note a more collective decision-making structure involving the IRGC and other institutions. Claims of sightings, such as a September 2 account of his presence at the burial site, have not produced independent verification. Traders monitor any scheduled addresses, diplomatic summits, or religious observances that could prompt an appearance before year-end deadlines.