Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 9, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 9, 2026
US intel said to assess Mojtaba Khamenei is playing key role in crafting Iran’s war strategy
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
A woman holds up a picture of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a state-organized rally, in Tehran, Iran, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
US intelligence agencies believe Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a key role in crafting Iran’s war strategy together with other senior officials, CNN reports, citing several officials familiar with the intelligence.
The sources say the US has been unable to visually determine Khamenei’s whereabouts since the strike that killed his father also wounded him. He has not been seen publicly since, with the sources adding that he remains in isolation while receiving treatment for bad burn wounds to his face, arm, torso and one of his legs.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here