Iranian Regime Releases First Video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Amid Health Rumors

The Iranian regime has released a brief 13-second video of Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, in an apparent effort to quell widespread rumors about his health. The footage, published by the Iranian news agency Mehr, shows Khamenei attending what appears to be a religious lesson. However, the agency did not specify when or where the video was recorded, nor the circumstances surrounding it.

This release follows reports from two regime insiders to the Iranian news site IranWire claiming that Mojtaba Khamenei is gravely ill and may die at any moment. Since assuming leadership, Khamenei has not appeared publicly, delivered speeches, or been seen by cabinet members, fueling speculation about his condition. A source close to the medical cabinet indicated that no cabinet member has met with him and warned that news of his death could emerge soon.

Additionally, an official Tehran municipality Telegram channel recently explained why no audio recordings of Khamenei have been released, citing security concerns that such recordings could help foreign intelligence agencies locate and target him. The channel referenced Mossad's alleged knowledge about Khamenei’s whereabouts, suggesting he might be hiding in an underground shelter near Qom or Tehran.

Separately, the opposition-linked Iran International channel reported on a rare secret meeting between President Masoud Pezhman and Khamenei. The meeting reportedly took place in an undisclosed location in Tehran, with Pezhman transported in a commercial vehicle and unable to see Khamenei’s face, only hearing his voice. This unusual encounter followed Pezhman’s repeated requests for a meeting and threats to resign.

The regime’s release of the video and the rare details about Khamenei’s health and secretive leadership underscore ongoing uncertainty and speculation about the stability of Iran’s top leadership.