Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made an important statement regarding the health status of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei while speaking to media representatives in New York. According to the head of state, the Supreme Leader is «in completely good health,» refuting numerous speculations and rumors that actively circulated in international media following the February events.
Details of the private meeting and refuting rumors
Speaking on September 24, the day after his address to the UN General Assembly, Masoud Pezeshkian shared details of his recent personal meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei. According to the president, their audience took place about a month ago and lasted approximately seven hours. The politician noted that he did not notice any serious health problems or physical limitations in the Supreme Leader, adding that they communicated in a traditional setting, sitting on the floor, and occasionally walking around the room.
Contradictory data
Despite the Iranian president's assurances about Mojtaba Khamenei's good physical condition, a significant amount of contradictory information remains around his figure. On one hand, official Tehran insists on the leader's capability and his active participation in state affairs. On the other hand, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since the escalation of the conflict with the US and Israel. Earlier reports indicated that he may have been seriously wounded during the February attacks that killed his father, the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. At the same time, Western intelligence, including CNN estimates, confirms that despite potential injuries, the younger Khamenei continues to play a pivotal role in Iran's strategic planning and warfare management.
Economic challenges and diplomatic initiatives
In addition to the situation regarding the Supreme Leader's health, Masoud Pezeshkian touched upon the dire state of the Iranian economy, characterizing its problems as «unprecedentedly complex» amid ongoing sanctions and military confrontation. Nevertheless, the Iranian leadership is demonstrating a readiness for dialogue. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a proposal had been transmitted to the US via intermediaries to resume the operation of the Hormuz Strait and start final negotiations. According to the Foreign Minister, Washington has a week to fulfill Tehran's conditions based on the Islamabad Memorandum.
Rejected accusations
During a press conference in Manhattan, Masoud Pezeshkian also categorically rejected accusations from the United States regarding Tehran's involvement in assassination plots against Donald Trump. The president stressed that the Iranian government has never initiated such actions. It is worth noting that the US Department of Justice had previously brought charges against Iran regarding alleged conspiracies planned ahead of the presidential elections.
