Iran releases undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei to counter ill-health reports
Iranian state-linked media released an undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei to refute reports of his critical health condition. The move follows speculation fueled by Israeli media reports and comments from the Iranian President regarding communication difficulties with the leadership.
Why it matters
The health of Iran's leadership is a matter of significant geopolitical concern, and the use of media to manage public perception is a key element of regional information warfare.
Days after Israeli media reported that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was in an “extremely critical condition”, Iran's semi-official Mehr News agency released an undated video showing him appearing to be in good health. In the video, the Supreme Leader was seen interacting with some of his followers.The video, released for the first time by Mehr, appears aimed at countering growing speculation over Khamenei's health and whereabouts. Mehr is a semi-official Iranian news agency sponsored by the government and operated by the Islamic Development Organisation.The footage comes after reports in Israeli media claimed that Khamenei had been rushed to a hospital and that concerns over his health were circulating among Iran's leadership.On Friday, Israeli Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, reported that Khamenei's condition was extremely serious.
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