Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is incapacitated and receiving medical care in Qom, according to a diplomatic memo cited by The Times on Tuesday.

The memo, said to be based on intelligence assessments from the United States and Israel, claims that Khamenei is unconscious and in such a severe condition that he is unable to participate in decision-making within the Iranian government.

The document, reportedly shared with Gulf allies, appears to be the first to publicly disclose Khamenei’s location, which had previously remained undisclosed to the public and foreign intelligence agencies.

Khamenei, who succeeded his father following Ali Khamenei’s death in Israeli and US strikes on February 28, has been largely absent from public view since the conflict began.

This has fuelled speculations about who is effectively managing Iran’s affairs during the ongoing war.

Although Iranian officials maintain that he remains in charge, unverified reports suggest he has been unable to govern for several weeks.

Analysts say this could bolster the de facto authority of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the current power vacuum.

The memo also noted that two statements attributed to Khamenei have been broadcast on Iranian state television since the start of the war, but no direct audio or video of him speaking has been released, adding to uncertainty over his condition.

Additionally, the report indicated that preparations are underway in Qom for a large mausoleum for Ali Khamenei and potentially other family members, which would differ from earlier Iranian statements about burial plans and anticipated mourning ceremonies in Tehran.