Near Death? Khamenei Video Aims to Quash Rumors

Iran’s regime sought today (Sunday) to refute reports that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical medical condition. State media released a 13-second video showing Mojtaba speaking with clerics.

Iran’s Mehr news agency, which published the video, claimed it was the "first video" of the supreme leader since he took office. The agency described the recording as a "new video" being published for the first time. However, it did not state when or where it was recorded, nor did it reveal the circumstances under which it was filmed.

The opposition-linked Iranian news site IranWire reported last week that Mojtaba Khamenei has not met with any cabinet members since he was injured in the assassination of his father at the start of Operation "Roar of the Lion." According to the report, he is very ill and could die at any moment. As for the new video, it was claimed to be fabricated.

It should be noted that the Iranian government periodically publishes written messages attributed to Khamenei. The Iranian press claims that no audio recording of the new supreme leader has been released out of concern that it would help intelligence agencies around the world discover where he is hiding — and assassinate him.