Tehran: There is speculation about the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as reports suggest he has fallen into a coma. According to Israeli newspaper Ynet News, citing Iran International, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was reportedly chosen as his successor at a confidential meeting of the Assembly of Experts on September 26. Sources claim the meeting faced significant pressure to approve Mojtaba unanimously, with alleged threats. of Khamenei’s representatives.

The Iranian Leadership shares a photo of an envoy from the meeting

Contrary to these claims, Ayatollah Khamenei recently shared a photo on his X account showing him talking to Mojtaba Amani, the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon. “Ayatollah Khamenei met with Mr. Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s veteran ambassador to Lebanon, today at noon,” the message said.

VIDEO: Iranian Khamenei meets ambassador to Lebanon, injured in September pager explosions

Khamenei’s son was chosen as his successor at a secret meeting

Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly amassed significant influence within Iran’s leadership over the years. Known for his role in suppressing the 2009 protests, he was given the title of ayatollah in 2021, a prerequisite to becoming Supreme Leader. The alleged decision to appoint him as successor has reportedly been kept secret to avoid public unrest. Iran International claims that members of the meeting were warned of dire consequences if details of the meeting were made public.

Transfer of power

Sources suggest that Ayatollah Khamenei plans to oversee the transfer of power while he is still alive, to ensure a smooth transition and soften opposition. Rumors of his declining health have increased since reports in October suggested he was seriously ill. Although Iranian authorities have not made an official statement on the matter, these developments come as the Iranian government faces growing internal discord and international challenges, raising questions about the country’s future stability.

Also read: Benjamin Netanyahu issues video message to Iranians: ‘Khamenei government fears its people more than Israel’