Iran's New Leader Absent 13 Days, Fuels Instability

Rumors suggest Khamenei, 56, was wounded in the initial war strike that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with CNN reporting a broken foot, eye injuries, and facial cuts. Despite two written messages attributed to him, including one marking Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, no visual or audio confirmation has been released, a departure from his father's tradition, as noted by a U.S. intelligence official.

U.S. President Donald Trump declined comment, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly questioned who is effectively governing Iran. Unverified reports from Iranian opposition channels claim more severe injuries, including a ventilator or coma.

Khamenei, sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 for his influence, holds ultimate authority over all state matters and the military as supreme leader for life.