The president's acknowledgment marks the first public comment on decision-making constraints involving the Supreme Leader since Mojtaba took office in early March. Since assuming power in March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a single public appearance or delivered any speeches. The physical isolation surrounding Iran's Supreme Leader stands in stark contrast to the expectations that typically accompany high office. Earlier intelligence reports indicated that Mojtaba sustained severe injuries in the February 28 strike, including serious burns, loss of mobility in at least one limb, and facial scarring. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged in a rare interview that visibility of the Supreme Leader has been tightly restricted.