Iran's Mehr News agency releases undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei after Israeli Media report on his poor health
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran's Mehr News agency released an undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's son, to counter speculation about his father's health.
- Israeli media had reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was in critical condition, citing sources within Iran and close to the president's administration.
- President Pezeshkian acknowledged that direct interaction with Khamenei is difficult, fueling ongoing international and regional questions about his health and leadership stability.
Iran's Mehr News agency released an undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an apparent effort to quell mounting speculation about his father's health and whereabouts. The move follows reports from Israeli media claiming the Supreme Leader was in critical condition and had been hospitalized.
We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon.
Israeli media outlets, including Channel 14 and The Jerusalem Post, cited sources within Iran and close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, suggesting concerns over the Supreme Leader's health were circulating among Iran's leadership. One source even suggested that news of his "martyrdom" might be imminent.
direct interaction with Khamenei is currently "very difficult".
Adding to the uncertainty, President Pezeshkian admitted in a state TV interview that direct communication with Khamenei is currently "very difficult." This statement, coupled with persistent international and regional reports questioning Khamenei's physical location and capacity, fuels ongoing speculation about his health and the stability of Iran's leadership.
Khamenei was "not in Iran."
Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed the position of Supreme Leader after his father's assassination, has not made public appearances since taking office and communicates solely through written statements. Reports suggest he was injured and potentially disfigured in the initial strikes that targeted his father's compound, forcing him into hiding. While Iranian state officials have previously downplayed his injuries, the continued absence from public view sustains intense speculation.
Khamenei was "90% gone" and incapacitated.
Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.