Russian officials are staying silent regarding claims that Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been covertly transported to Russia for urgent medical treatment. Mojtaba, who sustained severe injuries in an Israeli attack on February 28 resulting in the deaths of several family members, including his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reported to be receiving care in a Russian presidential medical facility. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, declined to confirm or deny these assertions, stating that they do not address such reports.
According to initial reports from Kuwait citing Iranian sources, a trusted aide to Mojtaba revealed to Al-Jarida newspaper that he was flown to Moscow aboard a Russian military aircraft in a classified mission due to health and security concerns. Allegedly, Mojtaba underwent a successful surgery upon arrival and continues his recovery in a hospital within one of Putin’s official residences. These claims have not been independently verified.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mojtaba’s whereabouts, Israel has asserted knowledge of his location after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at potential demise. Trump stated on Saturday that Mojtaba’s status remains unknown and urged him to act wisely for his nation if alive. Meanwhile, suspicions linger that Russia has been collaborating with Iran, providing strategic guidance for strikes against Western military installations in the Middle East.
Lieutenant General Nick Perry disclosed to Defence Secretary John Healey that there are indications of Russian intelligence aiding Iranian military operations, particularly in sharing tactical expertise for enhanced drone deployment. He noted the evolving tactics influenced by Russian teachings, resulting in heightened drone effectiveness for Iran. Healey suggested that Putin’s covert support is likely fueling Iran’s conflict against the U.S. and Israel, benefiting Russia through increased oil prices to finance its military engagements, notably in Ukraine.
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