“VACUUM OF POWER”: White House Claims Iranian Leadership “Wiped Off” Map
WASHINGTON — In a stunning escalation of the psychological warfare accompanying Operation Epic Fury, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday, March 26, 2026, that Iran’s “entire leadership has been killed” and that the world is currently witnessing a “charade” of governance in Tehran.
The briefing suggests that the U.S. does not recognize the legitimacy or even the physical existence of the reported successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war on February 28.
“The Ghost Leader”: U.S. Questions Mojtaba Khamenei
The Press Secretary’s most pointed remarks were directed at Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Supreme Leader, who was reportedly elevated to the position by the Assembly of Experts on March 1.
- Lack of Proof of Life: “Nobody has seen or legitimately heard from this alleged new leader,” Leavitt told reporters. “We have seen posters, we have seen written messages read by news anchors, but there is zero evidence that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, let alone in command.”
- Leadership Decapitation: The White House maintains that the initial U.S.-Israeli “decapitation strike” eliminated 49 of the most senior regime leaders. Leavitt added, “The so-called ‘Governing Council’ is dead, missing, or cowering in bunkers, too terrified to even occupy the same room.”
- The IRGC “Puppet” Theory: U.S. intelligence suggests that if any governing body exists, it is likely a small cadre of IRGC generals operating in the shadows, using the name of the younger Khamenei to prevent a total collapse of the security state.
“Negotiating with Ghosts” (March 26, 2026)
The claim that Iran’s leadership is “dead” creates a massive diplomatic paradox, given that the U.S. is currently engaged in ceasefire talks via Pakistan.
| The White House Narrative | The Diplomatic Reality |
| Claim: The leadership is “wiped off the face of the earth.” | Fact: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is still active and making public statements. |
| Claim: Iran is “military defeated.” | Fact: Iran still maintains a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes regional targets. |
| Claim: There is no “new leader.” | Fact: Banners across Tehran depict Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader. |
“They are negotiating with themselves because there is nobody left to talk to on the other side who has the authority to sign a deal. If they want to stop the ‘hell’ that is coming on Friday, someone—anyone—needs to step into the light.” — Karoline Leavitt
The “Unleash Hell” Ultimatum
The Press Secretary reiterated President Trump’s warning that the “Friday morning deadline” is absolute.
- Targeting the Grid: If a “legitimate representative” of the Iranian state does not accept the 15-point U.S. plan by sunrise on March 27, the U.S. will move from military targets to the “total infrastructure phase,” beginning with the national power grid.
- The “Afraid” Factor: President Trump suggested at a Republican dinner last night that Iranian negotiators are “afraid they’ll be killed by their own people” if they admit they are losing, which is why they continue to publicly deny the talks.
What’s Next?
As of 10:30 AM PKT, the “legitimacy crisis” has paralyzed the Islamabad Summit. With the U.S. claiming the leadership is dead and Iran claiming the U.S. is “negotiating with themselves,” the window for a signed agreement is rapidly closing. The world now waits to see if Mojtaba Khamenei will make a televised appearance to prove his existence before the U.S. “unleashes hell” tomorrow morning.