Report: New wave of rumors in Iran regarding the death of Mojtaba Khamenei
Iranian journalist and researcher Arash Azizi wrote for the digital magazine "The Atlantic" that the decrease in activity and statements from the leader is fueling a growing wave of rumors about his condition. "I believe that Khamenei is dead or in a state of brain death," a senior official in a government office told the journalist.
Schrödinger's cat, Tehran version: A new wave of rumors about the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has spread through the ruling circles of the Islamic Republic, claims journalist and left-wing opposition figure Arash Azizi today (Wednesday) in a reasoned article for the American online magazine "The Atlantic".
"Mojtaba's total invisibility and the recent decrease in statements from his office have sparked new rumors in Tehran about his death. Sources within the government and those close to it speculated to me that Mojtaba recently died from injuries he sustained in February. And regardless of his actual condition, the uncertainty could have significant consequences for Iran," claims Azizi.
According to the journalist, several sources within the Iranian government expressed to him the assessment that the Supreme Leader recently died or is in a condition that prevents him from fulfilling his duties.
"I believe that Khamenei is dead, or he is in a state of brain death," one source within the ruling circles told Azizi.
Two sources in the Iranian government recently told IranWire that a rumor had spread among the "highest echelon of the regime" that Mojtaba's condition is very poor and he could die at any moment. About two weeks ago, a public call was issued on an internal messaging service, asking Iranians to pray for Mojtaba's health and to sacrifice sheep to bless him, as is customary in Islam. Mojtaba's life was "under threat," and some "clerics" warned that he could be killed.
"Whether Mojtaba is alive or dead, his public absence creates problems for the Iranian regime. The Supreme Leader holds most of the constitutional power in the Islamic Republic and has previously served as the final arbiter between the conflicting factions and institutions," assesses Azizi, in light of growing reports of internal strife within the regime.
"The Iranian regime faces existential choices when it comes to deciding between diplomacy and conflict. Iran's constitution clearly states who has the authority to determine the country's direction. But it seems no one can say with certainty if that person is alive or dead. And without a firm hand at the top, indecision can turn into a purgatory with no foreseeable end," writes Azizi.
