Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in the country but has been avoiding public appearances “for understandable reasons,” according to Russia’s ambassador to Iran, The Caspian Post reports, citing Reuters.

Mojtaba assumed leadership after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during a conflict involving Israel and the United States more than a month ago.

U.S. officials have stated they believe Mojtaba may have been injured and possibly disfigured.

Russia maintains strong relations with Iran, having signed a strategic partnership agreement with Tehran last year.