Skip to main content

Iran's supreme leader in public appearance following reports of ill health

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public today, refuting rumors that he was on his death bed following recent surgery.

khamenei
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei speaks a religious ceremony marking the occasion of Arbaeen on Sept. 17. — Khamenei.ir

After speculation had grown in recent weeks over the health condition of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei due to his absence from public, he finally appeared at a religious ceremony marking the occasion of Arbaeen, an observance that occurs 40 days after the day marking the martyrdom of the third Shiite Imam, Hussein Ibn Ali.

Khamenei saluted the attendees and then spoke to them standing up, while Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi sat behind to him to his left. His appearance at the Arbaeen ceremony had been announced by his office earlier this week.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in