Iran Tries to Dispel Reports Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Is Critically Ill

Iranian state and military-linked media are pushing reports that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains active, as questions grow over his health and prolonged absence from public view.

Iranian state and military-linked media moved Sunday to counter growing reports that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is critically ill, promising that images showing him among the public and meeting military commanders will be released.

The media campaign comes amid continued questions about Khamenei's condition following reports that he was seriously wounded during U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February, when his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, was killed.

Iran Promises Images of Khamenei

Ghasem Qoreishi, deputy commander of Iran's Basij militia, said photographs and documents showing Mojtaba Khamenei among Iranian citizens, on the streets and attending meetings with military commanders would be made public, Iran's military-linked DefaPress reported.

Qoreishi said releasing the material would once again bring “shame” on Iran's enemies.

Iranian state outlets IRIB and IRNA also reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian recently met Khamenei as Pezeshkian entered the third year of his presidency. The two reportedly discussed military development, foreign economic relations and other government matters.

Questions Grow Over Khamenei's Health

The reports appear aimed at pushing back against persistent speculation that Khamenei has failed to recover from serious injuries sustained during the U.S.-Israeli strikes earlier this year.

IranWire, a UK-based Iranian opposition outlet, reported on August 7, citing multiple sources, that Khamenei was in critical condition and had no contact with cabinet officials. The outlet also reported that rumors were circulating within Iran's leadership that he could die at any time.

Those claims have not been independently confirmed.

Supreme Leader Remains Out of Public View

Khamenei's continued absence from public view has fueled further questions about Tehran's official account.

He has not made a public appearance since becoming supreme leader and was notably absent from his father's funeral last month.

Iranian authorities are now signaling that photographic evidence of Khamenei's activities will be released. Until he appears publicly in a verifiable setting, however, questions surrounding the condition of Iran's supreme leader are likely to continue.