Leadership transition: SNSC declares Khamenei martyred Feb28 via Israeli camera hack, Mojtaba new Leader/Commander-in-Chief; silent coup intensifies
Key Questions
Who has been declared the new Leader and Commander-in-Chief in Iran?
SNSC declared Ayatollah Khamenei martyred on Feb 28 via an Israeli camera hack, naming Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Leader and Commander-in-Chief. Mojtaba, reportedly wounded and in hiding, has issued directives on Gulf rules amid a silent coup.
What is the current power struggle within Iran's leadership?
IRGC hardliners including Vahidi, Taeb, Zolqadr, and Safavi have seized control, overriding Araghchi and Pezeshkian, with pushes for FM removal and critiques of 'madness'. Larijani's KIA status triggered the 61st wave, while Ghalibaf bridges rifts through Islamabad talks and quits negotiators.
How has the US responded to Iran's leadership changes?
Trump rejected a 14-point deal citing a leadership vacuum. Tehran rallies have rejected the Trump plan amid ongoing blackouts over 47 days and resilient losses around 6,000.
Mojtaba Khamenei (wounded/hiding) issues Gulf rules directive; IRGC hardliners (Vahidi/Taeb/Zolqadr/Safavi) seize control overriding Araghchi/Pezeshkian (FM removal push/'madness' critique); Larijani KIA triggers 61st wave; Ghalibaf bridges rifts/Islamabad talks/quits negotiators; blackouts day47+; ~6k losses resilient amid Araghchi ouster risk; Tehran rallies reject Trump plan. Trump rejects 14-pt deal citing leadership vacuum.