Khamenei Finally Shown to the Public — But the Main Thing Remains Off Camera

Iranian state media have for the first time released footage of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei after a long absence, but the date of the recording is unknown. Questions about his health persist: IranWire reported serious health issues following the February 28 strike, and President Pezeshkian acknowledged difficulties in communication. There is no official confirmation.

Iranian state media have for the first time published a video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei after his prolonged absence from public view. The footage is reportedly from a religious session, but the exact date and location are not specified, leaving open the question of how recent the video is. Khamenei has not appeared before cameras since taking office and has not delivered public speeches, with state media only distributing written statements. The leader's absence has fueled rumors about his condition: the opposition outlet IranWire reported that after the American strike on February 28, he did not hold personal meetings with cabinet members, and within the leadership there were discussions about his extremely poor physical state. There is no official confirmation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian admitted that maintaining contact with the Supreme Leader is extremely difficult but did not provide details. According to available information, Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the American-Israeli strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, after which he assumed the post of Supreme Leader.