Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency on 8/8 posted a video over 10 seconds long, showing Mojtaba Khamenei in good health, sitting and talking with several people.

The video quickly gained attention on social media and was widely shared by many accounts. However, Mehr News did not disclose the filming date or location, leading many to believe it was archival footage.

"This is an old video, circulated since March. Mehr News having to repost old footage of Mojtaba is a notable sign", said Jason Brodsky, policy director at UANI, a US-based nonprofit that opposes Iran's possession of nuclear weapons.

The move by Mehr News, an agency operated by Iran's government-affiliated Islamic Development Organization, appears aimed at refuting speculation regarding Mojtaba's health. This comes after Israeli media on 7/8 reported that Mojtaba was in "extremely critical" condition.

The Jerusalem Post, citing informed sources, stated that Iranian leaders were concerned about the Supreme Leader's health. "We would not be surprised if we soon received news that he had been martyred", a source said.

Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, in 10/2024. Photo: AFP

Mojtaba was injured on 28/2 during the opening airstrike of the US-Israel operation. The Iranian leader has not appeared publicly since assuming office in March, and his written statements have all been read on state television. This prolonged absence has fueled much speculation about his health and actual role in Iran's new power structure.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 7/5 said he met with Mojtaba for a two-and-a-half-hour meeting. Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol at the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran, later stated that Khamenei had fully recovered, though he could not yet appear publicly.

President Pezeshkian on 5/8 stated that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba is currently "very difficult", affirming his presence is a "great source of strength" for the country.

Nhu Tam (According to News 18, Hindustan Times)