Iran releases video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid health rumors

Iranian state-affiliated news agency Mehr released a video showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei interacting with people, marking his first public appearance since he assumed leadership. This release followed reports from Israeli media, including Channel 14, which claimed that Khamenei was in critical condition, had been hospitalized, and might die soon. The reports suggested that his health had deteriorated significantly following injuries sustained during the February 28, 2026, strike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since taking office, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public, leading to intense speculation about his health and his ability to govern. While the Iranian government has not officially confirmed the reports of his hospitalization, the release of the video is intended to dispel rumors regarding his status. However, the authenticity of the footage remains a subject of debate, with some sources suggesting the video may be old or recorded before he became the Supreme Leader.