In a significant development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in late July, coinciding with the start of Pezeshkian’s third year in office. The meeting, reported by state media, focused on military matters and economic challenges, including resource security, foreign exchange management, energy consumption, and international economic relations.
Meanwhile, a paramilitary official announced that footage of Khamenei would be released soon, showing the leader among the public and in meetings with armed forces commanders. This move aims to counter ongoing speculation about Khamenei’s health and his limited public appearances since assuming leadership in March.
Notably, Pezeshkian has provided varying statements regarding his access to Khamenei. On July 21, he mentioned that interactions with the supreme leader were increasing daily, but by early August, he described communication with Khamenei as very difficult.
Earlier in May, state media revealed that Pezeshkian had met with Khamenei for several hours, marking the first publicly acknowledged meeting since Khamenei succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a strike on February 28. Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained serious injuries during that attack, which coincided with the onset of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Prior to becoming supreme leader, he maintained a generally low public profile.
Basij Organisation deputy Qasem Qoraishi emphasized that the forthcoming footage would discredit Iran’s adversaries and detractors, reinforcing Khamenei’s presence and leadership amid ongoing doubts.
