Iran War: Iran releases video of Mojtaba Khamenei after reports of ‘critical’ health
Iran’s semi-official Mehr News agency has released an undated video showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appearing to be in good health, days after Israeli media reports claimed he was in an “extremely critical condition”.
The video, released on Friday, is being seen as an attempt to counter growing speculation over Khamenei’s health and whereabouts. Mehr News is a semi-official Iranian news agency sponsored by the government and run by the Islamic Development Organisation.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli media outlets reported that Khamenei was in critical condition and had reportedly been taken to a hospital.
Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, and The Jerusalem Post, citing IranWire and sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, reported that concerns over Khamenei’s health were circulating within Iran’s leadership.
One source cited by The Jerusalem Post said, “We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon.”
Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli military strikes on February 28.
Since taking office, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances and has communicated primarily through written statements, adding to speculation about his health and whereabouts.