Reports regarding the status of Iranian leadership and internal policy disputes

An Israeli security official cited by the Saudi network Al-Hadath has claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has left the country. The report further alleges that official statements issued in his name are currently being drafted by Ahmad Vahidi and other senior officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Emirati website Aram News, significant friction exists between Iran's political leadership, Khamenei's office, and military commanders regarding the strategy for engaging with the United States. Internal disagreements involve the management of diplomatic contacts, the scope of military responses, and accountability for previous losses. Khamenei's office has reportedly received conflicting assessments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Quds Force, and military units concerning operational damage and the effectiveness of Iranian countermeasures. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has allegedly requested that all diplomatic negotiations with intermediaries be centralized through a single political channel. These reports suggest a potential struggle for influence over decision-making processes within the Iranian government.