Iranian news releases brief, undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei after months out of public view

Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency released a short video on Sunday, reportedly showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in conversation with several other men. The clip, lasting under 15 seconds, did not specify a date or location, though media outlets noted its similarity to a previous video released earlier in the year.

Khamenei has maintained a low public profile since assuming leadership following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian has provided differing accounts regarding his access to Khamenei, who officially succeeded his father in March. In late July, Pezeshkian stated that interactions with the supreme leader were "increasing day by day," but by early August, he described communication as "very difficult."

The late July meeting between Pezeshkian and Khamenei reportedly covered military affairs and economic issues, including resource allocation, foreign exchange management, energy use, and foreign economic ties, according to state media. This followed a May report of a several-hour meeting between the two, which was the first publicly reported encounter since Khamenei became supreme leader.

Khamenei was reportedly seriously injured in the February 28 strike that killed his father. Basij Organization deputy Qasem Qoraishi stated on Sunday that footage and documentation showing Khamenei in public and in meetings with armed forces commanders would be released. Qoraishi suggested these releases would "once again bring disgrace upon the enemies and detractors of the Iranian people," seemingly aimed at quelling speculation about Khamenei's health and absence from public view.

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once again bring disgrace upon the enemies and detractors of the Iranian people.