Mojtaba Khamenei is in Iran but has been avoiding public appearances “for understandable reasons,” Russia’s ambassador to Tehran Alexey Dedov has said, amid growing speculation over the leader’s whereabouts and health.Speaking to RTVI, Dedov said Khamenei has not left the country, even as his absence from public view for nearly a month since taking office has triggered widespread rumours. The Iranian leader has issued several statements broadcast on national television but has not appeared publicly.
Speculation had intensified following reports that Khamenei may have been flown to Moscow for medical treatment at the invitation of Vladimir Putin. There were also claims, including from the United States, that he may have been wounded and “disfigured.”Khamenei assumed office after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28 at the start of the ongoing conflict.The Russian envoy’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over Iran’s leadership during the war, with Moscow reaffirming its engagement with Tehran. Russia and Iran maintain close diplomatic ties and signed a strategic partnership treaty last year, reinforcing cooperation despite ongoing regional tensions.
