Iran's Pezeshkian says communication with new Supreme Leader 'very difficult'

TEHRAN, Iran — President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview that communicating with Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed Supreme Leader after his father Ali Khamenei's death, has become "very difficult." Ali Khamenei was killed in the first U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February 2026, and his son has since avoided public appearances. Mojtaba Khamenei's public presence has been limited to written statements distributed through official media and government accounts, with no photos, audio or video. Sources close to the new Supreme Leader have attributed the limited communications to health and security concerns. Pezeshkian said on July 21 that interaction with the religious leader had been "increasing day by day," but acknowledged last week that contact has now become difficult. In April, three sources close to Mojtaba Khamenei said he sustained serious injuries to his face and legs during the strikes that killed his father. Reports on Mojtaba Khamenei's health have remained contradictory, with no official confirmation of his condition.