- India,
- 25-Sep-2026 05:37 PM IST
In a significant diplomatic and media interaction in New York, the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has directly addressed and refuted long-standing rumors regarding the health of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Speaking to a group of American journalists, the President provided what he described as firsthand evidence of the Supreme Leader's well-being, aiming to silence speculations that have frequently appeared in Western and Israeli media outlets. The President's statements come at a time when the physical condition and public absence of the Iranian leadership have been subjects of intense international scrutiny.
A Detailed Seven Hour Meeting
President Pezeshkian revealed that exactly 1 month ago, he held an extensive meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei. According to the President, this wasn't a mere formal briefing but a deep and prolonged interaction that lasted for approximately 7 hours. During this time, the two leaders discussed various national and international issues. Describing the setting of the meeting to provide a sense of normalcy and physical fitness, the President mentioned that they were both sitting on pillows in a traditional manner. He further emphasized that during the course of their 7 hour conversation, they were also walking around intermittently, which serves as a testament to the Supreme Leader's mobility and physical stamina.
Refuting Claims of Physical Impairment
One of the most critical aspects of the President's address was his categorical denial of rumors suggesting that Mojtaba Khamenei had suffered physical injuries or amputations. Responding to specific questions about reports claiming the Supreme Leader's hands were damaged or cut, Pezeshkian stated that all his body parts are perfectly fine and intact. He insisted that the claims being circulated are entirely baseless and that he has personally witnessed the Supreme Leader in a state of full health. This statement was intended to counter narratives often pushed by American and Israeli media, which have frequently questioned the functional capacity of the Iranian leadership.
The Transition of Power and Underground Status
The context of these health rumors dates back to the transition of power within Iran. Following the death of the second Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei was elected as the new Supreme Leader on March 8. This election was conducted by a group of 50 religious leaders who hold the constitutional right to vote for the highest office in the country. Since his election on March 8, Mojtaba Khamenei has maintained a strictly underground existence, which has fueled various conspiracy theories. Despite being out of the public eye, the President clarified that the Supreme Leader remains the central figure in all major decision-making processes in Iran. While American and Israeli intelligence agencies have reportedly been unable to track his specific movements or location, his official statements and directives continue to be issued through social media and official channels.
Geopolitical Stance and Trump Assassination Denial
Beyond health matters, President Pezeshkian addressed grave geopolitical accusations, while when questioned about whether Iran could be involved in a plot to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, the Iranian President dismissed the idea entirely. He stated that Iran doesn't think in such terms, although he accused the United States of having carried out similar actions in the past. He noted that Donald Trump himself had previously labeled Mojtaba Khamenei as ill, a claim the President has now formally contested. Pezeshkian also spoke about the broader conflict, stating that Iran has been forcibly pushed into war and that their previous Supreme Leader was killed. He acknowledged that the United States has caused significant damage to Iran through various means and may continue to do so, but he remained firm in his stance that the people of Iran will never kneel before Washington.
