The secret behind the disappearance of Mojtaba Khamenei’s voice
The Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, affiliated with the municipality of Tehran, has revealed that technical and intelligence considerations are behind the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s decision to avoid using audio recordings and to rely instead on traditional written correspondence.
According to the newspaper, audio files are no longer limited to conveying words or the tone of a speaker’s voice; they now contain hidden technical data that can be exploited to determine the speaker’s exact geographical location and the time of the recording through advanced analytical techniques.
The report explained that the most significant methods include room-echo analysis to estimate the dimensions of a location, Electrical Network Frequency (ENF) fingerprinting to determine the time and place of the recording, and hardware fingerprint analysis of recording devices.
It also highlighted the use of background noise generated by ventilation systems, generators, and cooling equipment to further narrow down the speaker’s location.
According to the newspaper, these sophisticated intelligence capabilities have encouraged the preference for paper correspondence, which is viewed as a safer option that minimizes tracking risks and preserves the secrecy of the leadership’s movements.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s complete absence from public appearances, whether in voice recordings or images, since assuming office in March 2026—particularly during his father’s funeral—combined with his exclusive reliance on written statements, has fueled widespread speculation about his fate.
These questions have emerged amid conflicting intelligence reports claiming that he suffered severe injuries during an airstrike in February 2026, while the Iranian government insists that he continues to manage state affairs and sensitive matters from behind the scenes.
