Where is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran releases first undated video of Supreme Leader amid health rumours
However, the video released is undated, so its exact timing and the circumstances in which it was recorded could not be independently confirmed.
PTC News Desk: Days after Israeli media reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was in an “extremely critical condition”, Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency released an undated video showing him appearing to be in good health. In the footage, Khamenei can be seen interacting with some of his supporters.
The video was released amid growing speculation about Khamenei’s health and whereabouts. Mehr News, which is linked to the Iranian government, appears to have released the footage to counter reports about his condition and reassure the public.
Israeli Channel 14 reported on Friday, citing sources in Iran, that Khamenei’s condition was extremely serious. Earlier, The Jerusalem Post, citing IranWire and sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, had also reported concerns about his health.
However, the video released by Mehr is undated, so its exact timing and the circumstances in which it was recorded could not be independently confirmed.
Speculation about Khamenei’s health increased further after President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly said in a state television interview that direct communication with the Supreme Leader had become very difficult.
The 56-year-old cleric became Iran’s Supreme Leader after his father was killed in joint US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Since taking over the position, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly and has communicated mainly through written statements. He was also not seen at his father’s funeral.
His long absence from public view had earlier led to rumours about his death. In May, however, Khamenei’s office rejected the rumours and said he was healthy and continuing to oversee the country’s affairs.