Ayatollah Khamenei in ‘perfect health’ says Raisi

Iran’s president has declared Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be in “perfect health” after a seven-hour meeting, breaking a long media blackout around the 85-year-old cleric.

President Masoud Pezeshkian told reporters that Khamenei had urged “unity and cohesion” during their closed-door talks, the first public indication of contact since Iran’s June election. The supreme leader has not appeared in state media or public events since assuming the role in 1989, feeding speculation about his condition. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and political moderate, said the meeting covered domestic policy and regional tensions with Israel and the U.S.

Khamenei’s absence from Friday prayers and official ceremonies has fueled rumors of declining health, especially after he was seen using a cane and moving slowly during a rare public appearance in April 2023. His office has not released photos or videos of him in over a year. Pezeshkian’s remarks come as Iran navigates economic turmoil, protests, and the fallout from the October 2023 Hamas-Israel war. Analysts say the supreme leader’s health is a top concern for Iran’s leadership, which is preparing for a potential succession battle.

The president’s statement may aim to calm domestic and international concerns ahead of upcoming parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections. The Assembly of Experts, which can appoint or remove the supreme leader, is expected to begin vetting candidates next month. Any sign of weakness in Khamenei’s leadership could embolden rivals or trigger instability within the regime. Pezeshkian’s government, which took office in August, is also facing pressure to deliver on economic promises while avoiding a direct confrontation with regional rivals.