Mojtaba Khamenei has issued only written statements and avoided any public appearance since his March 2026 appointment as Supreme Leader following his father Ali Khamenei's assassination in late February. Iranian officials cite security risks amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, while analysts note a possible shift toward more collective decision-making. Recent statements from President Masoud Pezeshkian in mid-September 2026 affirmed that Mojtaba remains alive and in authority, countering speculation fueled by his absence from state funerals and lack of video or audio messages. Trader focus centers on whether heightened regime pressure or scheduled events could force a visible appearance before year-end.