Multiple media outlets reported that Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was in a coma and had designated his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.
The claims emerged after it was reported in October that Khamenei was seriously ill. Amidst these speculations, Khamenei’s office released a photograph showing him in a meeting with Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, countering rumours about his health.
In the released image, Khamenei appeared engaged during the discussion with Ambassador Amani. The caption on Khamenei’s X account stated that this meeting occurred alongside his regular daily engagements, suggesting normal activities.
ظهر امروز یکشنبه ۲۷ آبان ۱۴۰۳؛ دیدار و گفتوگو با آقای مجتبی امانی، سفیر جانباز جمهوری اسلامی ایران در لبنان pic.twitter.com/ctIRbi9bVA
— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) November 17, 2024
This photo release came after incidents involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where equipment malfunctions caused injuries and fatalities, which Iran attributes to Israeli actions.
Read: Social Media Platform X Suspends Ayatollah Khamenei’s Hebrew Account
Additionally, Ayatollah Khamenei recently delivered a public sermon, his first in five years, where he vocalized strong support for Palestinian and Lebanese groups opposing Israel, reaffirming Iran’s stance in regional conflicts.