Mojtaba Khamenei deceased in new mural? Iran sparks confusion

ALBAWABA - Iran recently sparked confusion on social media after allegedly featuring new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a mural honoring deceased Islamic Regime members who were killed during the US-Israeli war with the country. 

Videos of the mural in Mashhad flooded social media, sparking speculations about the health of Iran's new Supreme Leader. Journalist Mario Nawfal took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "Is this Iran admitting that its new Supreme Leader is dead?" 

Mojtaba Khamenei deceased in new mural? Iran sparks confusion

🇮🇷🇺🇸 Is this Iran admitting that its new Supreme Leader is dead?

A mural honoring prominent Iranians killed by U.S-Israeli attacks was unveiled in Mashhad, Iran.

It includes a picture of Mojtaba Khamenei!!pic.twitter.com/cDKLtKxSgq https://t.co/1nj3L7Mc0V

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 26, 2026

On the contrary, several other users stated that the mural also features living members of the Iranian Islamic Regime to symbolize emulation. Another individual accused other users, including Nawfal, of spreading anti-Islamic regime propaganda to affect the regime's image.

An X user wrote, "@MarioNawfal is a self hating buffoon. You are Lebanese and #Hezbollah is fighting for your country. You may live anywhere in the world, but you will always be Lebanese. You've lost relevance because of your westernized stupidity." 

During the US-Israeli war with Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously injured in an airstrike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Reports state that Mojtaba suffered severe burn injuries to the face and leg, which reportedly left him disfigured. 

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran on April 7 after a 40-day war, but tensions remain due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.