Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran officials ‘would not be surprised’ if Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dies soon: Report
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s health has come under renewed scrutiny after IranWire, citing two sources close to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, reported that senior officials are increasingly concerned about his condition.According to IranWire, Khamenei has not met any cabinet members since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes that killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other members of his family. The outlet said rumours that the younger Khamenei is in an “extremely critical condition” and could die soon are circulating within Iran’s highest levels of government.One source close to the Pezeshkian administration told IranWire that Khamenei’s physical condition was poor, adding that officials “would not be surprised” if they soon heard news of his death.The claims have not been independently verified. Iranian authorities have not announced that Khamenei is critically ill, while reports circulating in Israeli media have also claimed that he was recently taken to hospital. These reports cite Iranian sources but have not provided independent evidence of his current condition.The speculation has been amplified by Khamenei’s unusually low public profile since taking over as supreme leader. He has made no public appearances or televised speeches since assuming the position, with Iranian state media publishing only written statements attributed to him.That absence has led to repeated questions about his health and ability to govern, particularly after reports that he was injured in the February strike that killed his father.Iranian officials have previously disputed reports that his injuries were severe. State-linked officials have described his injuries as limited and maintained that he remains involved in strategic decision-making.President Pezeshkian himself said in a state television interview this week that communicating with Khamenei was currently “very difficult”, adding another layer to speculation surrounding the supreme leader’s condition.Separately, a report by Iran International, said Pezeshkian was taken to an undisclosed location in Tehran for a brief meeting with a man presented as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. According to the report, the meeting took place inside a darkened vehicle and Pezeshkian was unable to see the man’s face. He later reportedly questioned whether the voice he heard actually belonged to Khamenei.The claims come as Iran remains under intense pressure following the conflict with the US and Israel and amid difficult negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported that Pezeshkian and other officials have struggled to gain access to Khamenei, who has remained largely absent from public view.
