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

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly in a coma and remains critically ill, according to reports. Amid concerns over his health, the 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 the regime over the last two years. Despite rarely appearing in public, he is known for his role in suppressing the 2009 post-election protests. In 2021, he was granted the title of Ayatollah, fulfilling the constitutional requirements to become Supreme Leader.  

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

Appointment Decision Kept Secret

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

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

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

Khamenei Supreme Leader Since 1989

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