His Absence Has Fueled Speculation About His Health

Earlier this year, top Iranian officials told the New York Times that Khamenei was gravely wounded but mentally sound, with severe burns to his face and lips, surgery on one hand, and a pending prosthetic leg. In May, Iran said he had a “small scratch” behind his ear but was otherwise in full health despite knee and back injuries. Pezeshkian also said Tehran would support any Palestinian initiative in indirect talks between Hamas and Israel.

An Iranian media report on Monday claimed Khamenei warned Pezeshkian he would accept the president’s resignation if resubmitted; Pezeshkian reportedly sought to step down in May, citing constitutional duties. No videos or audio of Khamenei have been released, with one report suggesting fears it could reveal his whereabouts and condition. Khamenei, a hardline cleric linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, trained in Qom and served in the military during the Iran-Iraq war from 1987 to 1988.