Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei seen in new footage as questions over his health persist

Iranian state-controlled Mehr news agency has released an undated 12-second video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, amid continued speculation over his health and whereabouts.

The footage, shared on Saturday, is the latest visual of the 56-year-old leader, who has largely remained out of public view since the US-Israeli airstrike that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, in February.

Undated video shows Mojtaba in closed room

“A video of the Leader of the Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, released for the first time," Mehr said while publishing the clip.

Mojtaba is seen seated on a carpet in a closed room, surrounded by several people. He is wearing a black turban and a light grey robe over white clothing and appears to be interacting with those seated around him.

The video does not identify when or where it was recorded. It comes after reports that Mojtaba suffered severe injuries to his face and legs in the February 28 attack.

A similar video was released by state broadcaster IRIB on March 20. “Published for the first time. A video of religious science teaching by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei,” it said on X, without providing details about the date or location of the footage.

Where is Iran's Supreme Leader?

Mojtaba has issued several written statements through Iranian state media since being appointed the country's third supreme leader on March 8. However, he has not appeared publicly through images or voice recordings.

He was also absent from his father's funeral ceremonies last month, further fuelling questions about his health.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said this week that communicating with Mojtaba was currently very “difficult”.

“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,” Pezeshkian said.

Conflicting claims over his health

Pezeshkian said he had nevertheless held productive meetings with Mojtaba and described being met with “kindness and very sound logic”.

“Unfortunately, the current situation allows some malicious people to describe him differently and to present a different image of him,” he said.

The comments come amid unverified claims about Mojtaba's condition. US President Donald Trump last month said Mojtaba was “90 per cent gone”, while Israel's Channel 14 recently reported that he was in “poor condition”.

The newly released footage shows Mojtaba in a brief indoor appearance, but does not establish when it was recorded or provide details about his current health.