Claim
Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran's new Supreme Leader in March, but he has never appeared publicly before the people of Iran.
“उस वक्त मार्च महीने में उन्हें ईरान का नया सुप्रीम लीडर नियुक्त किया गया। लेकिन वो कभी सार्वजनिक रूप से ईरान के लोगों के सामने नहीं आए हैं।”▶ Watch source segment
Rationale
Both parts of the claim check out as of the 2 July 2026 broadcast. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026 (elected 3-8 March, announced 9 March) after Ali Khamenei's killing on 28 February. Multiple outlets, including reporting published on the broadcast date itself, confirm he had made no public appearance, speech, or televised address since taking office, communicating only in writing; a viral photo of a supposed 'first appearance' was debunked by fact-checkers. Minor imprecision only: the appointment followed an Assembly of Experts vote rather than a simple 'appointment,' which does not change the verdict.
Evidence
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/8/iran-names-khameneis-son-as-new-supreme-leader-after-fathers-killing-2 Iran's Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei the new Supreme Leader on 8-9 March 2026, after Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603106725 Describes Mojtaba as 'a leader no one has seen' — no speech, no televised address, communicating only through written statements since taking office. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2026/07/02/will-irans-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-emerge-speculation-mounts-ahead-of-his-fathers-grand-funeral.html Published on the broadcast date (2 July 2026): Mojtaba had still not appeared publicly, with speculation over whether he would emerge at his father's funeral. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.wionews.com/photos/mojtaba-khamenei-appears-at-iran-war-command-centre-with-israel-dimona-nuclear-site-map-first-appearance-by-new-supreme-leader-fact-check-viral-claims-1775442053822 Fact-check debunking a viral image purporting to show Mojtaba's 'first appearance' — reinforcing that no authentic public appearance had occurred. ✗ unreachable · HTTP 403
- https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/powerful-iranian-general-seen-public-preparation-supreme-leaders-vast-rcna352842 Reports Mojtaba would not attend his father's funeral (citing security threats), consistent with his continued absence from public view. ✓ reachable · archived