Recent media reports have claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, is in a coma. These reports also suggest that he has privately nominated his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor. However, in a move to counter the rumors, Khamenei’s office on Sunday released a photo showing him in a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.
Rumors of Khamenei’s Health Deterioration
Speculation about Khamenei’s health intensified following a report by The New York Times in October, which described him as “seriously ill.” Adding fuel to the fire, several media outlets claimed that the leader had fallen into a coma and had held a secret meeting to nominate his 55-year-old son as the next Supreme Leader of Iran.
Khamenei’s Public Appearance
The photo, posted on Khamenei’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, showed him engaged in conversation with Ambassador Amani. The caption in Persian stated:
“Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, met and talked with Mr. Mojtaba Amani, the veteran ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, at noon today, on the sidelines of his daily meetings.”
This public appearance appears to be an attempt to dispel the rumors surrounding his health.
Who is Mojtaba Amani?
Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, has been a key figure in Tehran’s regional diplomacy. He was among nearly 3,000 individuals injured in a 1980s explosion in Lebanon, which Iran and Hezbollah attributed to Israeli forces. In the recent meeting, Amani reportedly presented a health report to Khamenei as part of his diplomatic update.
Khamenei’s Role Amid Middle East Tensions
Last month, Khamenei delivered his first sermon in five years, addressing tens of thousands of supporters in Tehran. During this rare appearance, he voiced strong support for Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran’s allies in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Holding a firearm while speaking, he declared that “Israel won’t last long” and justified Iran’s missile strikes on Israel as acts of “public service.”
Iran has been a vocal supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are engaged in clashes with Israeli forces on its southern and northern borders.
Uncertainty Continues
While the released photo suggests that Khamenei is continuing his official duties, questions remain about the long-term stability of Iran’s leadership. If the rumors of succession planning hold true, Mojtaba Khamenei could become a pivotal figure in shaping the future of Iran’s political and religious structure.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
