Speculations of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Health Worsen
Reports suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, has slipped into a coma amid growing health concerns. The development comes as Tehran grapples with internal dissent and escalating tensions with Israel.
Iran’s Leadership Crisis: Is Khamenei in a Coma?
Secret Meetings to Finalize Succession
Sources indicate that Iranian officials held a clandestine meeting in late September to decide Khamenei’s successor. The Assembly of Experts, comprising 60 senior members, allegedly convened under direct orders to make an immediate decision. The urgency stemmed from Khamenei’s declining health and fears of public unrest.
Khamenei has reportedly decided to pass leadership to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, during his lifetime to avoid power struggles and potential protests. This move, if confirmed, would mark a significant departure from tradition.
Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s Next Supreme Leader?
Mojtaba Khamenei, despite having no formal government experience, has increasingly influenced Iran’s key decisions. Observers believe his rise has sidelined other potential candidates like the late President Ebrahim Raisi. Critics argue Mojtaba’s elevation highlights a lack of democratic process in Iran’s leadership.
A New York Times report on October 27 corroborated claims of Khamenei’s deteriorating health. It emphasized that Mojtaba’s succession was becoming a “foregone conclusion,” raising concerns about legitimacy and transparency.
Social Media Fuels Speculation
Social media platforms are rife with unverified claims about Khamenei’s condition. Some posts allege that the Supreme Leader has been in a coma since early November. However, official sources have neither confirmed nor denied these reports.
The last public appearance of Ayatollah Khamenei was on November 7, when he addressed the Assembly of Experts in Tehran.
Public Unrest Looms Over Leadership Transition
Iran faces a volatile situation as public dissatisfaction with governance grows. Reports suggest the regime fears mass protests against the hereditary transfer of power. Critics argue that Khamenei’s son lacks the credentials to assume the role of Supreme Leader.
Tehran’s decision to push for a smooth transfer of power before Khamenei’s death stems from these concerns. The secrecy surrounding the process has only fueled public distrust.
A Legacy of Controversy
Khamenei, who became Supreme Leader in 1989, is the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East. His leadership has been marked by widespread dissent and international sanctions. Speculation about his health comes at a critical time, with Iran facing growing isolation and potential conflict with Israel.
Observers believe the leadership transition could reshape Iran’s domestic and foreign policies. The move is seen as pivotal for Iran’s political stability and its stance in the Middle East.
As Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s health remains shrouded in mystery, Iran stands at a crossroads. The looming transfer of power to Mojtaba Khamenei could trigger internal unrest and alter the nation’s future trajectory. With secrecy dominating the process, questions about legitimacy and democracy persist, leaving Iran’s political future uncertain.
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