Iranian Foreign Minister Addresses Health Rumors Surrounding Supreme Leader
Clarification on Supreme Leader's Health
Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, has refuted rumors regarding the health status of the country's new Supreme Leader, asserting that there are no health concerns. This statement follows comments from a senior US official earlier this week that raised doubts about the leader's condition. In an interview with MS Now on Saturday, Araqchi emphasized that there is 'no problem' with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
These remarks came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested on Friday that Khamenei was 'wounded and likely disfigured.' Hegseth's comments were made shortly after Khamenei released a written statement reaffirming his commitment to continue the conflict. 'We know the so-called Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured,' Hegseth stated, noting the absence of audio or video accompanying Khamenei's message. 'It was a weak statement,' he added.
Hegseth questioned the lack of a vocal or visual message, pointing out that Iran has the resources to produce such content. He speculated that Khamenei's situation is dire, stating, 'His father's dead. He's scared. He's injured. He's on the run. And he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who’s in charge? Iran may not even know.'
Furthermore, Hegseth criticized Khamenei's call for unity, remarking, 'Apparently, killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity.' He elaborated that the Iranian leadership perceives the United States and Israel as united adversaries, stating, 'Looking up, the IRGC and Iranian regime see only two things on the side of the aircraft: the Stars and Stripes and the Star of David,' labeling it 'the evil regime’s worst nightmare.'
Current Situation in Iran
Developments Inside Iran
In the midst of ongoing conflict, numerous senior Iranian officials participated in a pro-government demonstration in Tehran, where protesters displayed banners proclaiming 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel.' As the US intensified its bombing operations against Iran, Tehran retaliated with a new series of drone and missile strikes aimed at Israel and Gulf nations.
Simultaneously, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have escalated. The Lebanese health ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike on a primary healthcare facility in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 12 medical personnel on Friday. According to local authorities, Israeli assaults targeting the Iran-aligned group Hezbollah have claimed at least 773 lives in Lebanon to date.