Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in the country and not undergoing treatment abroad, Russia’s ambassador to Tehran has said, dismissing speculation about his whereabouts. The Times of Israel reported that Ambassador Alexey Dedov told Russian-language outlet RTVI Iranian authorities have consistently maintained Khamenei’s presence in Iran.

However, the Supreme Leader has avoided public appearances for security reasons. Since being appointed earlier this month, the new leader has not been seen or heard publicly, with only written statements attributed to him circulated through state media.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role after his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on February 28 at the outset of the conflict.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts formally announced Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as supreme leader on March 8.

Khamenei, meanwhile, kept communication open with Iran’s allies in the Middle East war. According to West Asia News Agency, Khamenei sent a message to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, reaffirming Iran’s continued backing for resistance efforts against the United States and Israel.

In the message, he acknowledged Qassem’s condolences following his father’s death, which he described as “martyrdom”. He also highlighted resistance against the United States and Israel as a defining trait of the former leader, while praising Hezbollah’s leadership.

Khamenei further said that he was confident that Qassem’s leadership would continue to counter Israeli plans and work toward stability and prosperity in Lebanon.