Iranian media: Mojtaba Khamenei seen for the first time

The Iranian news agency "Mehr" published a video over the weekend, described as the "first video" of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, since he took office.

In the footage, Khamenei is seen attending what appears to be a religious study lesson. The agency labeled the recording as a "new video," but did not disclose when or where it was filmed, nor the circumstances surrounding the event.

The release comes amid speculation regarding the condition of the Supreme Leader, who has not appeared in public or delivered speeches since his inauguration. Until now, only a few letters attributed to him have been released by official Iranian news agencies.

The opposition news site "Iran Wire" reported that two sources close to the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian claim that Mojtaba Khamenei has not met with any government officials since the American strike on the compound where he was staying on February 28, which killed his father, Ali Khamenei, and other family members.

According to these sources, rumors are circulating within the highest echelons of the Iranian regime that Mojtaba Khamenei is in an extremely serious condition and could die at any moment. A source close to Pezeshkian's cabinet confirmed that no government members have met with Khamenei, describing his physical condition as "not good."

"We will not be surprised if we hear about his death soon," the source stated.

Last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian admitted that communication with the Supreme Leader is "very difficult at the moment." Khamenei, who was wounded in the American-Israeli strike that triggered the war in the Middle East, has not appeared in public since succeeding his father.

"It is very difficult to communicate with him at the moment, but in any case, his presence is a very great source of strength for us so that we can continue," said Pezeshkian.