Speculation over the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has intensified after Israeli media claimed he is in critical condition and could die imminently, though the claims remain unconfirmed by Iranian authorities.
Israeli outlet Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, described Khamenei’s condition as “extremely critical,” reporting that the world “could hear his death news soon.” The report also cited claims by IranWire, which quoted two sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration saying Mojtaba Khamenei had not met with any cabinet members since the US attack on the Supreme Leader’s compound on February 28 that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and other family members. One source said his physical condition was poor and that “we would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon.”
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader following his father’s killing but has not made any public appearances or delivered speeches since taking office, with only written statements attributed to him published by official Iranian media. That absence has fuelled months of speculation about his health and whereabouts. In July, Saudi outlet Al-Hadath, citing an Israeli security source, claimed Khamenei was “not in Iran,” while US President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview around the same time that Iran’s top military leadership had been eliminated and that Khamenei was “90 percent gone” and incapacitated.
President Pezeshkian has acknowledged in a state television interview that direct interaction with Khamenei is currently “very difficult,” though Iranian officials have previously downplayed the severity of his injuries and have not confirmed the latest reports of a critical condition. The claims could not be independently verified.