Iran has categorically denied rumours about the health of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid speculation from Western media suggesting the 85-year-old leader had slipped into a coma. State media confirmed Khamenei remains in good health, showcasing his public meeting on Sunday with Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.

Public Appearance Quells Speculation

The meeting, held in Tehran, was widely publicized, with images released by Iranian state-run outlets, including Press TV. The photographs showed Khamenei with Amani, who sustained injuries during a September Israeli attack in Lebanon. The caption from Press TV highlighted the incident, describing the injuries caused by “thousands of pagers exploding.”

An official from Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, dismissed the health rumours as baseless, asserting that the Supreme Leader is “completely fine.”

Context of the Meeting

Amani, injured in a targeted attack allegedly orchestrated by Israel’s Mossad, briefed Khamenei on his recovery. The attack, which struck multiple locations near the Iranian mission in Lebanon, left dozens injured and claimed several lives. Amani, who suffered damage to his left eye, was flown to Tehran for treatment.

Succession Speculation

The health rumours have reignited debates about Khamenei’s potential successor, with attention focusing on his second-oldest son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Reports from The New York Times and Israeli media suggested that Iran’s Assembly of Experts convened a secret meeting in September to discuss Mojtaba’s appointment. However, Iranian analysts and officials dismissed these claims, citing constitutional restrictions that make such succession unlikely.

State media further debunked widely circulated hospital bed images of Khamenei, clarifying that they were outdated photos from 2014.

Maintaining Confidence Amidst Challenges

Analysts believe Khamenei’s meeting with Amani was strategically timed to project stability amidst growing challenges, including international sanctions and domestic unrest. Public appearances like this are seen as vital in reinforcing confidence in Iran’s leadership structure.

The Selection Process

In Iran, the Supreme Leader’s successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body elected by the public from candidates approved by the Guardian Council. The Assembly oversees the Supreme Leader’s performance and appoints a successor when necessary.

ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE