Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Coma, Son Chosen as Successor: Reports

Iran’s Supreme Leer Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly in a coma and remains critically ill, according to reports. Amid concerns over his health, country’s Assembly of Experts has allegedly chosen his second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor during a secretive meeting on September 26 according to a local news channel Iran International. 

Mojtaba Became ‘Ayatollah’ in 2021

Mojtaba Khamenei has been gaining influence within regime over last two years. Despite rarely appearing in public, he is known for his role in suppressing 2009 post-election protests. In 2021, he was granted title of Ayatollah, fulfilling constitutional requirements to become Supreme Leer.  

Sources suggest that Assembly of Experts faced significant pressure to reach a unanimous decision, including warnings from Khamenei’s representatives.  

Appointment Decision Kept Secret

Reports indicate that decision to appoint Mojtaba was kept secret to avoid public backlash. Assembly allegedly resolved to maintain strict confidentiality, fearing widespre protests if news were leaked. "Members were warned of severe consequences for any leaks," report claimed.  

Khamenei Meets Iranian Envoy to Lebanon Amid Coma Rumours

After reports surfaced claiming Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in a coma and ‘seriously ill,’ his office released a photo of him with Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassor to Lebanon.  

However, some reports allege that photo is old and being used to downplay concerns about Khamenei's worsening health, possibly to avoid public backlash.  

"Ayatollah Khamenei, leer of Islamic Revolution, met and talked with Mr. Mojtaba Amani, veteran ambassor of Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, at noon today, on sidelines of his daily meetings," office wrote in Persian.

Khamenei Supreme Leer Since 1989

Khamenei has held position of Supreme Leer since 1989 after death of Ruhollah Khomeini, first to hold title. Speculation about his successor has grown in recent years, especially following death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last May.