Iran has released new footage of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as questions continue over his health and whereabouts. The semi-official Mehr News agency published an undated video that appears to show Khamenei in good health. The release comes days after Israeli media reported that he was in an “extremely critical condition".
The footage is the latest development in a growing dispute over Khamenei’s condition. Iranian officials have rejected reports of serious injuries, while Israeli, Western and opposition sources have made different claims about his health and location.
Iran Releases Undated Video Of Mojtaba Khamenei
Mehr News published the video for the first time. The agency is semi-official and operates under Iran’s Islamic Development Organisation. The footage does not carry a date. However, it appears designed to counter reports that Khamenei is seriously ill or unable to lead Iran. His prolonged absence from public view has increased speculation. The latest video could therefore be an effort by Iranian authorities to show that he remains active and in control.
Israeli Media Claims Mojtaba Khamenei Is Critically Ill
Israeli media outlets reported on Friday that Khamenei was in an “extremely critical condition". Channel 14 cited sources inside Iran while reporting concerns about his health. The Jerusalem Post also cited IranWire and sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration. One source quoted by The Jerusalem Post said, “We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon." The claims have not been independently verified. They also conflict with statements from Iranian officials, who have continued to reject reports of a severe health crisis.
Mojtaba Khamenei Has Not Appeared Publicly
Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli military strikes on February 28. Since taking over the position, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public. He has instead communicated through written statements. His absence has raised questions about his health and his ability to directly manage Iran’s leadership structure. Reports have claimed that he suffered injuries during the initial strikes on his father’s compound. Some sources have described the injuries as severe or disfiguring. According to these reports, Khamenei went into hiding after the attack. He allegedly communicated with senior officials through a network of intermediaries to reduce the risk of being targeted.
Iran President Pezeshkian Says Direct Contact Is Difficult
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also spoken about the difficulty of communicating directly with Khamenei. During an interview with Iranian state television, Pezeshkian said direct interaction with the Supreme Leader is currently “very difficult". His comments have added to questions about how Iran’s top leadership communicates with Khamenei and how major decisions are being coordinated. However, Iranian officials have continued to insist that Khamenei remains involved in strategic decision-making.
Reports Question Mojtaba Khamenei’s Whereabouts
Questions about Khamenei’s location have also emerged in regional media reports. In July, Saudi news outlet al-Hadath, citing an Israeli security source, claimed that Khamenei was “not in Iran." US President Donald Trump also made claims about Iran’s military and political leadership during an interview with Fox News. Trump said Iran’s top military leadership had been eliminated during the military campaign. He also claimed that Khamenei was “90% gone" and incapacitated. The claims have further intensified the debate over Khamenei’s condition and his ability to lead Iran.
Iran Denies Reports Of Severe Khamenei Injuries
Iranian state officials have previously rejected reports that Khamenei suffered serious injuries. Representatives from Iran’s Health Ministry described his injuries as superficial. Senior officials have also maintained that he continues to provide strategic oversight and operational directives. The new Mehr News footage appears to reinforce that official position. However, the video is undated, making it difficult to independently determine when it was recorded.
Mojtaba Khamenei Health Speculation Continues
The absence of live appearances remains the main reason for continued speculation about Khamenei’s health. Western and opposition intelligence sources have repeatedly alleged that he suffered severe or disfiguring injuries. They have also linked his absence from live public appearances to those alleged injuries. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, continue to reject the claims and maintain that Khamenei remains capable of performing his duties. The newly released video provides Iran with a visual response to the growing speculation. However, because the footage is undated, it does not independently establish Khamenei’s current health condition or location. For now, conflicting reports continue to surround Mojtaba Khamenei’s health, whereabouts and ability to exercise authority as Iran’s Supreme Leader.