TEHRAN: A video of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been released by semi-official news agency Mehr, showing him appearing healthy while addressing a group, amid months of speculation over his health and whereabouts.
Mojtaba Khamenei has remained largely out of public view since assuming the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader in March following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The video does not carry a date stamp, and Iranian state media has not clarified when, where or for what purpose it was recorded. However, the footage has been circulated in a way suggesting it was captured after he became supreme leader.
Mehr News Agency, considered close to the supreme leader, released the footage, but other major Iranian state media outlets did not prominently broadcast it.
According to reports, including analysis by CNN, the video appears to show Mojtaba Khamenei delivering a religious lesson to a group, with indications that the footage may have been recorded before the recent conflict involving Iran.
The release of the video has not ended speculation regarding his health and current location. Instead, it has triggered further questions, as he has not appeared at public events, delivered televised speeches or made direct appearances since taking office.
Official messages attributed to him have instead been read out through state media. He also did not attend his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral and burial ceremonies.
Concerns over Mojtaba Khamenei’s health intensified after reports emerged that he may have been injured during US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Sources cited by CNN claimed in March that he suffered a fractured foot and minor facial injuries during the initial attacks.
Iranian officials have issued varying statements regarding his condition, with some describing him as healthy while other reports suggested he had sustained injuries.
In May, an Iranian official claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was in “full health” and continuing to manage state affairs from his office. However, his limited public presence has continued to fuel speculation.