US intelligence says Iran's Supreme Leader actively shaping war strategy despite injuries
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and negotiations with Washington despite remaining out of public view following injuries sustained during the war, according to a CNN report on Friday. Uncertainty remains about how much authority Khamenei currently exercises within the Iranian leadership structure after attacks killed several senior officials, including his father. Iranian officials insisted he is recovering well, with head of protocol Mazaher Hosseini saying Friday that Khamenei's condition has improved.
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and negotiations with Washington despite remaining out of public view following injuries sustained during the war, according to a CNN report published on 09 May 2026 citing sources familiar with US intelligence assessments.
Uncertainty remains about how much authority Khamenei currently exercises within the Iranian leadership structure after attacks in the war killed several senior officials, including his father, the report said. US officials reportedly believe Khamenei has continued to communicate through trusted couriers and in-person contacts while recovering from injuries that include burns and shrapnel wounds.
Iranian officials insisted he is recovering well. Mazaher Hosseini, the head of protocol in the office of the supreme leader, said Friday that Khamenei's condition has improved and dismissed speculation surrounding his health.
The report also said US intelligence assessments found Iran's military capabilities had been weakened but not eliminated by American strikes, with many missile launchers still operational. Senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are believed to be handling much of the government's day-to-day operations as diplomatic efforts with the Trump administration continue.