According to a video shared by Fox News on Monday, July 6, 2026, attention focused on the continued absence of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made a public appearance since his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier this year.

During the broadcast, John Hannah, who previously served as National Security Advisor to former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, discussed the implications of Mojtaba’s absence amid the ongoing funeral ceremonies in Iran.

Hannah said many analysts had anticipated that Mojtaba would appear during the funeral procession, even if he had sustained visible injuries, to portray himself as someone who had personally endured the consequences of the conflict and to reinforce his leadership image.

Instead, Hannah argued, his failure to appear has fueled growing speculation about his fate and whether he is still alive.

Speaking during the discussion, Hannah said, “Well, it is surprising. I think a lot of us who expected that he would show up for some part of this funeral procession, even if somewhat disfigured, to declare himself to have been kind of a living martyr for the cause who has suffered terribly as a result of this American-Israeli war.

“The fact that he hasn’t, I think, will only pour fuel on the fire of where is Mojtaba, is he alive, what’s happened to him.”

Hannah also noted that reports suggesting Israel may have sought to target senior Iranian officials, including during ceasefire negotiations, have added to the uncertainty surrounding Mojtaba’s condition and whereabouts, leaving unanswered questions about who is currently exercising authority in Iran.

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