The undated footage shows Mojtaba Khamenei meeting a group, but Iranian media has not confirmed when or where it was recorded.
TEHRAN, IRAN — WEB DESK: Iranian media has released what it describes as a video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, marking the first publicly circulated footage of him since he assumed Iran’s top leadership position in March.
The undated video shows Mojtaba Khamenei speaking with a group and appearing to be in good health. However, Iranian media has not confirmed when, where or for what purpose the footage was recorded.
Undated video sparks fresh speculation
Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency released the footage, showing Mojtaba Khamenei apparently addressing or teaching a group.
The video does not carry a visible date. Iranian state media also did not provide details establishing that the footage was recorded after he became supreme leader.
The manner in which the footage was circulated has nevertheless led to widespread discussion online, with some Iranian media presenting it as significant evidence of the new supreme leader’s current condition.
According to CNN, visual analysis of the footage suggests it may have been recorded before the recent conflict, rather than after Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the supreme leadership.
Questions over health and whereabouts continue
The release has not fully ended speculation surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and whereabouts.
Since taking office, he has reportedly remained largely absent from public events, major speeches and live television broadcasts. Statements attributed to him have instead frequently been read out through Iranian state media.
His absence has attracted particular attention because he reportedly did not attend the funeral and burial of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports of injuries during Iran conflict
Questions about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health intensified following reports that he was injured during the US-Israeli bombardment of Iran that began on February 28.
Sources who spoke to CNN reportedly claimed in March that Mojtaba Khamenei suffered a fractured foot and minor facial injuries during the first day of the attacks.
Iranian officials subsequently issued differing accounts of his condition. Some officials said he was in good health, while other reports continued to suggest that he had sustained injuries.
In May, an Iranian official reportedly said Mojtaba Khamenei was in “full health” and continuing to run affairs from his office.
