Kathmandu— Iran's semi-official Mehr News agency has released a video showing Mojtaba Khamenei appearing to be in good health, an effort to negate mounting speculation regarding his medical condition and whereabouts. The release follows reports from Israeli media outlets claiming the Supreme Leader was in extremely critical condition and had been rushed to a hospital.

Conflicting Reports on Health

The video release follows intense speculation fueled by reports from Israeli media. Channel 14, citing sources within Iran, and The Jerusalem Post, quoting IranWire and sources close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, reported that concerns over Khamenei's health were circulating among the country's leadership.

One source cited by The Jerusalem Post suggested the situation was dire, stating, "We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon."

A Pattern of Seclusion

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli military strikes on February 28. Since taking office, he has not made any public appearances, communicating exclusively through written statements.

Reports indicate that Khamenei was injured and potentially disfigured during the initial strikes on his father's compound. This has reportedly forced him into hiding, requiring him to communicate with senior regime figures through a network of intermediaries to avoid further targeting.

Diplomatic and Intelligence Uncertainty

The lack of live appearances has led to significant international uncertainty. In July, the Saudi news outlet al-Hadath, citing an Israeli security source, claimed that Khamenei was "not in Iran."

Adding to the tension, US President Donald Trump asserted in a Fox News interview that Iran's top military leadership had been eliminated, claiming Khamenei was "90% gone" and incapacitated following the military campaign.

Official Iranian Stance

While Western and opposition intelligence sources suggest the leader sustained severe or disfiguring injuries, Iranian state officials have consistently downplayed the severity of his condition. Representatives from Iran's Health Ministry previously characterized his initial injuries as superficial.

President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged in a state TV interview that direct interaction with Khamenei is currently "very difficult." However, senior officials maintain that he continues to provide strategic oversight and operational directives for the country.

The persistent absence of live public addresses continues to fuel regional and international speculation regarding Khamenei's health and the stability of his leadership.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.