Saturday, March 14, 2026-Iran’s new Supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, now has a verified account on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The account, reportedly using the handle @Rahbarenghelab_ (“Leader of the Revolution”), appeared shortly after he assumed leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. The profile quickly drew global attention as it began posting messages drawn from his early public statements as Iran’s leader.
The verified status of the account has sparked debate because Mojtaba Khamenei has been under U.S. sanctions since 2019. Critics argue that if the account uses X Premium—the subscription service required for the platform’s blue verification check—it could raise questions about whether the platform is providing paid services to a sanctioned individual. Watchdog groups have called for clarification from X about how the verification was granted and whether it complies with U.S. sanctions regulations.
The account has also fueled speculation online after users noticed details suggesting the profile may be operating from outside Iran, with some reports indicating the account appears to be “based in the Netherlands.” The timing is notable because the account was created during periods of internet disruption inside Iran, adding to uncertainty about where the messages are being managed from. Despite the controversy, the new account has rapidly become a focal point for statements related to Iran’s leadership and the ongoing regional conflict.
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