Iran's supreme leader's prolonged absence from public view has intensified speculation that injuries sustained in a February 28 airstrike are more severe than the regime acknowledges.
In Tehran's first official statement on Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's condition, a senior official told Fars News on Friday that the supreme leader is 'in full health.'
'His back injury has improved during this period, and the kneecap injury will soon heal as well,' said Mazaher Hosseini, director general of protocol at the office of the supreme leader, as translated by the Telegraph. Addressing reports of facial injuries, Hosseini mentioned only a 'small crack behind the ear.'
'Thank God, he is in good health,' Hosseini told a crowd in Iran. 'The enemy is spreading all kinds of rumours and false claims. They want to see him and find him, but people should be patient and not rush. He will speak to you when the time is right.'
Background of the Airstrike
Khamenei has been in hiding since being injured on the first day of the Iran-U.S. war on February 28. He reportedly narrowly escaped death after missiles struck and flattened his father's fortified compound. The surprise airstrike killed his wife, son, and his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The New York Times reported in late April that the younger Khamenei is being tended to by a team of doctors and medical staff, with access to him otherwise limited. Senior officials do not visit him due to safety concerns. Instead, the 56-year-old leader writes down all his instructions, which are hand-delivered by a series of trusted couriers.
Severe Injuries Reported
Four Iranian officials aware of his condition told the paper that Khamenei's severely burned face and lips would require plastic surgery. One of his hands was slowly regaining function, and he was awaiting a prosthetic leg.
Since he was appointed leader in March, Iranian state media have issued only written statements attributed to Khamenei, who has not been seen in public. The reclusive Khamenei kept a low profile and was rarely seen in public or photographed before becoming Iran's third supreme leader.
AI-Generated Image Controversy
An image of him appearing without any sign of injury posted to Khamenei's X account appears to be AI-generated, according to a BBC analysis. The image is believed to have been taken from a video recorded years ago at a pro-government rally.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had met with Khamenei for more than two hours last week, the first time a meeting with the ruler has been reported.
Additionally, Iran's state broadcaster reported that Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's Central Military Headquarters, had met the cleric on Sunday and provided a report 'on the readiness of Iran's armed forces.' During the meeting, Khamenei ordered military operations against the U.S. and Israel to continue, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
'During this meeting, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, while expressing appreciation for the brave and valiant fighters and the country's powerful armed forces, issued new directives and guidance for continuing operations and confronting enemies decisively,' the IRIB reported.
