Iran's Khamenei Addresses Health Rumors

In response to rumors about his health, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei published a photo on social media showing him meeting with Mojtaba Amani, Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon, amid widespread claims that he was in a coma. These rumors emerged following reports from multiple media outlets, including The New York Times, indicating that the 85-year-old leader was seriously ill and had nominated his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as a potential successor. The photo, shared on Khamenei's official X account, was intended to counter speculation about his health, which coincided with discussions within Iran's Assembly of Experts regarding succession. Amani, who was injured in a recent explosion attributed to Israel, provided Khamenei with a health update during their meeting. Khamenei's health has been a subject of concern, especially after he delivered his first sermon in five years, where he declared Israel would not last long, demonstrating continued support for Palestinian and Lebanese movements against it.