Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Iran promises footage of Supreme Leader Khamenei amid health concerns
Iran has a very important leader called the Supreme Leader.
Right now, that leader is a man named Mojtaba Khamenei.
Some people are worried because they haven't seen him in public for a while.
Because of that, people started asking if he was sick.
A man named Qasem Qoraishi, who works for Iran's Basij group, said new videos of the leader will be shown soon.
The videos will show him walking in the streets and talking with military leaders.
Earlier, Iran's Mehr News showed a video of him that was not dated, where he looked healthy.
Other reports said he was very sick and even in the hospital.
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, did meet with the leader in late July to talk about important things like money and the military.
Iran says the new videos will help answer people's questions about the leader's health.
Basij Organisation deputy Qasem Qoraishi said footage showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on the streets and meeting military commanders will be released in the future.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
The announcement follows reports that Khamenei was in critical condition and had been taken to a hospital; semi-official Mehr News earlier released an undated video showing him in apparent good health.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly met Khamenei in late July, per Reuters, to discuss military affairs and economic issues, including foreign exchange, energy use and foreign economic relations.
Accounts of Khamenei's condition differ: Israeli media claimed he was in 'extremely critical condition,' while Iran's Health Ministry described his initial injuries as superficial and senior officials said he still provides strategic oversight.
- Who
- Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose health and public absence are in question; Basij Organisation deputy Qasem Qoraishi, who announced the footage; and President Masoud Pezeshkian, who reportedly met Khamenei in late July.
- What
- Iran announced it will release footage of Khamenei in public and meeting military commanders to counter speculation over his health.
- When
- Announced on a Sunday around the article's August 10, 2026 publication; Khamenei's father was killed on February 28.
- Where
- Iran.
- Why
- To address continued speculation over Khamenei's health and whereabouts after his prolonged absence from public appearances.
Iranian officials
Foreign media and reports
Khamenei's health condition
Iranian officials
Iranian officials said his initial injuries were superficial, that he continues providing strategic oversight and operational directives, and that new footage showing him in good health will be released to counter speculation.
Foreign media and reports
Israeli media claimed Khamenei was in an 'extremely critical condition,' while other reports said he was seriously injured in the February 28 strike and had been taken to a hospital.
Supreme Leader's public activity
Iranian officials
Officials point to interactions such as Pezeshkian's late-July meeting covering military and economic affairs as evidence Khamenei is still leading the country.
Foreign media and reports
Khamenei's prolonged absence from public appearances since taking office has fueled questions over his health, whereabouts and ability to lead Iran.
- Supreme Leader
- Mojtaba Khamenei
- Announcement by
- Qasem Qoraishi, Basij Organisation deputy
- Announcement date
- August 2026 (article published August 10, 2026)
- Predecessor
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28
- Reported meeting
- Pezeshkian met Khamenei in late July; state media reported an earlier meeting in May
- Health claims
- Israeli media: 'extremely critical condition'; Iranian Health Ministry: injuries superficial
- Earlier footage
- Undated Mehr News video showing Khamenei in apparent good health