The new Iranian Supreme Leader uses a Dutch VPN.
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader مجتبى خامنئي appears to be using a VPN connection routed through the Netherlands to operate some of his social media accounts on the platform X.
According to findings reported by BNR (Business News Radio – Dutch financial news broadcaster), two of the leader’s official accounts on X show their location as the Netherlands. These accounts publish posts in English and Spanish and appear to connect through Dutch servers based on their detected IP addresses.
The location information became visible after X introduced a feature that displays the geographical origin of accounts using IP data. The update followed earlier investigations that revealed some political influencers claiming to be in the United States were actually operating from other countries.
The discovery suggests that مجتبى خامنئي or members of his media team may be using a VPN service that routes internet traffic through Dutch servers. This method can generate a Dutch IP address even if the user is physically located elsewhere.
Observers say the situation is particularly striking because the Iranian government has frequently restricted internet access inside the country. Authorities have repeatedly slowed or shut down internet services during protests and sensitive political events to limit the spread of information.
Iran has also blocked access to X since 2009. As a result, many citizens rely on VPN services to bypass government restrictions and access social media platforms.
Analysts believe the same technique may now be used by the leadership itself. If confirmed, it would mean the country’s Supreme Leader — or his communications team — is using a VPN to access a platform that remains officially restricted within Iran.
The development comes after مجتبى خامنئي succeeded his father, علي خامنئي, following his death during reported military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.