Rare video of Mojtaba Khamenei released, his voice heard amid health speculation

Iran has released rare footage of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in which his voice can be heard publicly for the first time, amid continued questions about his health and prolonged absence from public view. The video, shared by Iran's Fars news agency, is undated and could not be independently verified.

The footage shows the 56-year-old leader taking part in a religious academic session. He listens to a student presenting a thesis before responding and giving his assessment of the work.

Rare glimpse amid health speculation

Mojtaba became Iran's Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Since then, he has largely remained out of public view, fuelling repeated speculation about his health and whereabouts.

Reports have claimed that Mojtaba was injured in the strikes and may have suffered serious injuries. However, these claims have not been independently established. Iran has released footage on previous occasions amid the speculation, but the lack of dates and locations has made it difficult to establish when the recordings were made.

The latest footage therefore offers a rare opportunity to hear Mojtaba speaking, although it does not establish when or where it was recorded.

Iran's supreme leader remains out of public view

Mojtaba has not made a public appearance since becoming supreme leader, including at his father's funeral. Reports have also suggested that he has maintained contact with senior officials through intermediaries because of security concerns.

Iranian-linked media have previously said that security considerations were behind his absence, with concerns that even recordings could reveal information about his location or physical condition.

The release of the latest video comes as the US-Iran conflict continues to shape events across the region. The prolonged absence of Iran's supreme leader has kept attention focused on his health, public visibility and role in the country's wartime decision-making.