Tehran: Iranian media released a video of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's current Supreme Leader, to counter rumors from Western and Israeli media claiming he was seriously injured in a US-Israeli attack several months ago.
According to Thai News Agency, Iran's state-run Mehr News Agency on Saturday (August 8) released a 12-second video of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The video was intended to dispel reports that he was seriously injured in a US-Israeli attack months ago. In the brief clip, he appears healthy, delivering a religious lecture and interacting with those around him.
However, the video lacks specific details such as the date, time, or location of filming, prompting widespread debate among analysts and international affairs observers. This debate arises because the video was released following reports from Israeli media and US intelligence suggesting that Mojtaba was unconscious and severely injured due to a February 28th airstrike, which allegedly resulted in the death of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader, and several family members. Many international media outlets have been unable to verify when the video was filmed, leading to speculation that it may be an older clip or a manufactured image for political reasons.
Since Mojtaba Khamenei's selection by the Council of Experts to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he has not made any live public appearances or attended official ceremonies, including his father's funeral. Communication has largely been limited to written statements. Iranian President Masoud Peseshkyan noted the challenges in communicating with the Supreme Leader due to security concerns but confirmed that he had met with Mojtaba, describing him as having a sharp intellect and providing valuable guidance.