Iran president says contact with supreme leader is very difficult after strike

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "very difficult at the moment" following the reported wounding of the leader in a US-Israeli strike. The comments come amid continuing speculation over Khamenei's absence from public view. Pezeshkian defended the supreme leader's role, saying his presence remains a source of strength for the country.

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Pezeshkian made the remarks on Wednesday, according to the supplied report, and said it was difficult to reach Khamenei after the attack that killed his father. The younger Khamenei has not appeared in public since succeeding his father. He has instead communicated through written statements, which has added to questions about his visibility and access to other senior officials.

The president said he had been able to hold productive meetings with Khamenei and described him as showing "kindness and very sound logic". He also rejected what he called attempts by "malicious people" to portray the supreme leader differently. The comments suggest the leadership is seeking to project continuity at a time of conflict and uncertainty.

The issue matters because the supreme leader is central to Iran's political and security decision-making. Any uncertainty around access to that office can affect perceptions of command continuity, especially during a period of confrontation with the United States and Israel. The reported strike and its aftermath have therefore become more than a personal security issue, touching on the stability of the wider leadership structure.

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The report also points to the importance of public appearances and direct communication in Iran's political system. Khamenei's absence from his father's funeral ceremonies last month has already fuelled speculation, and his reliance on written statements has reinforced that scrutiny. In this context, Pezeshkian's defence appears aimed at limiting any suggestion of division or weakness at the top of the state.

What remains unclear is the extent of Khamenei's injuries and how long communication difficulties may continue. It is also not clear whether his low profile reflects security concerns, medical limitations, or both. For now, attention is likely to remain on whether he reappears publicly and whether senior officials continue to signal unity around his leadership.

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