Iran’s supreme leader reportedly near death, opposition outlet claims

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition and could die at any moment, according to a report published by opposition outlet IranWire on August 6, citing two anonymous sources close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration. The report marks the most alarming claim yet about a leader who has not made a single public appearance since taking power more than five months ago.timesofisrael+1

'News of His Martyrdom' Would Not Surprise

IranWire reported that "rumours that he is in extremely critical condition and could pass away at any moment are circulating widely within the highest levels of the regime." One source told the outlet: "We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon."iranwire+1

The report came two days after Pezeshkian himself acknowledged in a televised interview on August 5 that communication with the supreme leader is currently "very difficult," while insisting that Khamenei's "presence is a great source of strength." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has separately stated that "only a handful of people have seen him."ara+1

A Leader Unseen Since February

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the elder leader was killed in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28. The younger Khamenei was himself injured in the same attack. He was confirmed as supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8 but has communicated only through written statements since, and was absent from his father's funeral last month.jfeed+1

In March, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said publicly that Khamenei was "wounded and probably disfigured." Reuters reported in April that he was recovering from severe facial and leg injuries. According to reporting by the New York Times, cited by multiple outlets, Khamenei sustained serious burns to his face and lips, required surgery on one hand, and is awaiting a prosthetic leg.inkl+2

Power Vacuum Deepens Iran's Crises

The supreme leader's prolonged absence has created deep fractures within Iran's governing structure. Pezeshkian reportedly considered resigning in May, saying he could not fully exercise his constitutional responsibilities, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has moved to fill the power vacuum.streamlinefeed+1

The leadership uncertainty comes as Iran negotiates with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has dropped dramatically since renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities began in June. Iranian authorities have offered no official response to the latest health claims.ara