Iran Releases Video of Mojtaba Khamenei Amid Health Speculation

Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency released an undated video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on August 8, following Israeli media claims that he had been hospitalized in critical condition.

The video, posted a day after the claims, aims to counter reports of his deteriorating health. Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader in March, has not been seen in public since his election following the February killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli-American strike. The Basij Organisation deputy Qasem Qoraishi reportedly stated on Sunday that footage of Khamenei among the people and out in streets, as well in meetings with the commanders of armed forces would be released in the future.

Senior Iranian officials are reportedly concerned about Khamenei's health, with one source close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's government stating officials would not be surprised to hear of his death. The Mehr News Agency clip did not specify the date or location of the footage.