Sharona Mazalian, an Iran researcher at the Center for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University, this evening (Tuesday) addressed the public absence of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei since Operation Rising Lion.
According to Mazalian, "You can count on less than one hand the number of times since the war that he has appeared in public and recorded public statements. Before that, the man would appear non-stop throughout the week and in various forums, with bold statements, attempts to demonstrate strength and various and varied threats."
She assessed that the reason for this is Khamenei's immense weakness, "I assess that he is depressed, weak and very afraid for his life. A large part of his senior and beloved commanders are gone, he has been severely humiliated by Israel and the future of the Islamic Republic - his life's mission - is in danger."
She also noted that his absence is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of statements by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who acknowledged the difficulties in the country. According to her, "It was expected that he would come out to calm the public, but instead he is hiding. He may be in a bad state, to the point that those around him believe that it is better for the people and the world not to witness his condition."
Mazalian concluded that there may be a situation in which the regime will conceal the news of Khamenei's death until it ensures public order. "It is likely that when he passes away, there will be no immediate announcement to the public, until they arrange the appointment behind the scenes and work to ensure public order as much as possible when the news is announced."