Iran’s top leader will appear in public, dismissing health rumors

by

Iran’s Director General Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public on Wednesday, dismissing rumors of a serious deterioration in his health.

Khamenei spoke in Tehran at the congregation hall of Imam Khomeini, where he attended a meeting with the family of Revolutionary Guards Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in January in a U.S. drone strike, and top military leaders. They all sat about 5 meters (16 feet) away from the 81-year-old Khamenei, who was wearing a face mask because of the still-spreading coronavirus infection in Iran.

A video released by Khamenei’s office showed him walking from behind a curtain to the chair and greeting the family, as well as Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guards and parliament spokesman Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, among others other officers.

Get The Daily of Israel’s Daily Edition by Email and don’t miss our top stories for free

Last week, an Iranian official denied rumors that Khamenei had a sudden decline in health, or even death.

State TV also denied reports before a meeting of the Assembly of Experts on Leadership, a group of 88-elected clergy with responsibility for recruiting and overseeing the director general.

Rumors about Khamenei were sparked after an Iranian journalist from London, Momahad Ahwaze, tweeted that the general’s health was deteriorating and that “those close to him were terrified.”

There have been false claims in the past about Khamenei’s death.

By Wednesday, Khamenei ‘s last public appearance had taken place on November 24, when he met with top Iranian officials, with videos of the meetings broadcast by state television.

He was successfully diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.

Last day to give Hanukkah a gift!

At a time when so many feel lonely, this is a Hanukkah gift that connects you and those who matter to you of Israel, the Jewish people and to each other.

It’s not so easy to visit Israel – or, in many cases, each other – this year. So our connections through shared values, ideas and discussion now more important than ever.

A. Times of Israel community gift membership entitles the person you receive one year full membership benefits, at a special, discounted price.

Are you already a member? Sign in to stop viewing this

You are pregnant. We appreciate that!

That’s why we come to work every day – to educate developed readers like you about Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have a demand. Unlike other news outlets, we did not set up a pay wall. But because the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers whose Times of Israel have become important in supporting our work by coming together Israel Times Community.

For as little as $ 6 per month you can help support quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel FREE, as well as access to exclusive content available only to members of the Times of Israel Community.

Join our community Join our community as a member? Sign in to stop viewing this

Source