'Not in Iran': Israeli source says supreme leader absent as internal power struggle deepens

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly not in Iran, according to an Israeli security source cited by Saudi outlet al-Hadath.

Khamenei has had no public appearances since his appointment after his father's death, communicating only through written statements.

The Israeli source claimed Khamenei's official messages are authored by IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi and other senior IRGC members.

A major internal power struggle in Tehran has pitted ultra-hardline factions against the moderate public administration.

Hardliners accused the government of a 'soft coup' after signing a 14-point diplomatic agreement with the US, and violence erupted at the former supreme leader's funeral.