Iran has released a rare, undated video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in what appears to be the first time his voice has been heard publicly since taking office.
In footage released by Iran’s Fars news agency, the 56-year-old is seen leading an academic religious session. He listens to a student’s presentation on a thesis and then gives his assessment of the paper.
However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, in the joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Since then, Mojtaba has not appeared in public, and even missed his father’s funeral. This has prompted widespread speculation about his health.
Earlier reports claimed that he was seriously injured and may have suffered facial injuries during the attacks. According to these reports, he is receiving medical treatment.
Iranian authorities have previously released material to refute speculation about his health, but none of these images have been independently verified.
According to reports, the new Iranian leader is maintaining contact with the Islamic Republic’s top officials through a limited network of intermediaries, with the aim of reducing the risk of a possible attack.
Meanwhile, the war has continued to severely impact the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic energy transport corridors. Maritime traffic remains much lower than normal and thousands of sailors remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.
The publication of this video seems to be intended to send a signal that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, active, and continuing to exercise his functions, at a time when his absence from public view has fueled numerous speculations