Iran Says Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Is in ‘Excellent Health’ Amid Speculation Over His Absence
Tehran: Iranian officials have sought to dismiss international speculation over the health and whereabouts of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death. A senior Iranian diplomat has asserted that the new leader is in excellent health and continues to direct the country’s affairs effectively, despite remaining absent from public view.
Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi, a representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, said reports questioning Mojtaba Khamenei’s health were unfounded. He claimed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had held a seven-hour meeting with the Supreme Leader last week, while the parliamentary speaker was also in regular contact with him.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking over the leadership, instead communicating through written statements. His prolonged absence has fuelled speculation about his health and security amid the continuing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
‘He attended his father’s funeral’
Ilahi also rejected reports that Mojtaba Khamenei had been absent from his father’s funeral in July. He said the Supreme Leader had attended the ceremony alongside his brothers but avoided media cameras for security reasons.
“I was there as well,” Ilahi said, adding that Mojtaba Khamenei sometimes mingled with ordinary people at public gatherings during the night.
According to Iranian sources, the Supreme Leader has been operating under heightened security because of what Tehran describes as potential assassination threats from the US and Israel. They maintain that he continues to oversee key military operations, economic plans and strategic decisions.
Trump questions Iran’s leadership
The assurances come amid questions from US President Donald Trump about who is currently making decisions in Iran. Trump had suggested that senior Iranian leaders had been killed in attacks and questioned who was now running the country.
US Vice-President JD Vance had also expressed uncertainty over whether Iran’s president and foreign minister had the authority to make final decisions, despite Washington’s contacts with them.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected such suggestions, saying the US was well aware of the country’s constitutional structure and decision-making process. It maintained that the government and armed forces operate under the guidance of the Supreme Leader.
The statements have done little to resolve the questions surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s continued absence from public view, with Iranian officials attributing it to security concerns.
