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Since the war began, Mojtaba has stayed out of public view, with media reports suggesting he is still recovering from severe “facial and leg” injuries sustained in the strikes
Iran has released a new video featuring its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Iran has released, for the first time, rare footage of its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei presiding over a religious academic study session. In the video, the 56-year-old leader is seen listening to a student present a thesis and offering an assessment of the work.
The development comes amid mounting uncertainty over Mojtaba’s well-being. Reports suggest he was seriously injured in the coordinated US-Israeli strikes on February 28 that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei.
Shared by Iran’s Fars news agency, the previously unseen video also carries Mojtaba’s voice as he schools the students on the “Islamic Security Model” of the Iranian regime. However, it remains unclear when the video was recorded.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in FIRST-TIME-SEEN footageReleased publicly for the first time by Iranian media, footage shows him presiding over a religious academic study session pic.twitter.com/iIIl0pLAgS
— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) August 24, 2026
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was named the Supreme Leader of Iran following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei. 86-year-old Khamenei was killed on the opening day of the US-Israeli strikes that led to the unfolding of a large-scale war in West Asia.
In the video, Mojtaba gives the thesis present by his student a score of 19.5 out of 20, describing it as “flawless”. The undated video offers a rare glimpse of the Iranian leader amid global attention over his behind-the-scenes role and leadership in Iran’s political and military establishment.
Since the war began, Mojtaba has stayed out of public view, with several US officials and media reports suggesting he is still recovering from severe “facial and leg” injuries sustained in the February 28 strikes.
A Reuters report in April citing sources said the Iranian leader was “disfigured” in the attack on the Supreme Leader’s compound in central Tehran, sustaining a significant injury to one or both legs.
However, the report suggested that Mojtaba was recovering from his wounds and remained “mentally sharp”. “He is taking part in meetings with senior officials via audio conferencing and is engaged in decision-making on major issues including the war and negotiations with Washington”, according to Reuters.
US-Iran Tensions
Tensions have, once again, mounted between the United States and Iran. Recently, a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries expired, with the US President saying no further talks were underway with Tehran.
Meanwhile, Washington has stepped up its economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiling a sanctions campaign aimed at cutting off Tehran’s financial lifelines as the war approaches its six-month mark.
Restoration of shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz –– which accounts of nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade –– remains a major point of difference between the two sides.
Bessent announced that Washington would expand secondary sanctions and warned countries that continue dealing with Iran that they could “share in the isolation” of Tehran.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Mojtaba Khamenei’s health has been the subject of speculation, with some reports claiming he was in an “extremely critical condition” or recovering from severe injuries. However, Iranian state media has released undated videos showing him in what appears to be good health, and a son of the Iranian President stated that he is healthy.
Ask News18About the Author
A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More
August 25, 2026, 08:24 IST
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