Mojtaba Khamenei’s voice heard publicly for first time as new footage of Iran Supreme Leader emerges
Iran has released rare footage showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei presiding over a religious academic study session, offering a glimpse of the 56-year-old leader during a period of uncertainty over his health. In the undated video, he listens to a student present a thesis and later assesses the work.
The footage, shared by Iran’s Fars news agency, also marks the first time Mojtaba’s voice has been heard publicly, as he discusses the “Islamic Security Model” of the Iranian regime with students. However, it remains unclear when the recording was made. The release comes amid reports that Mojtaba was seriously injured in the coordinated US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei.
Rare glimpse of Mojtaba Khamenei
In the video, Mojtaba is seen listening to a student’s thesis presentation before giving it a score of 19.5 out of 20 and describing the work as “flawless”. The footage provides a rare public glimpse of the Iranian leader, who has largely remained out of view since the war began.
Mojtaba, 56, was named Iran’s Supreme Leader after his father, 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, was killed on the opening day of the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the unfolding large-scale war in West Asia.
His absence from public view has fuelled questions about his health and his role in Iran’s political and military establishment. Several US officials and media reports have said he sustained severe “facial and leg” injuries during the February 28 strikes and has been recovering since then.
According to reports, the attack on the Supreme Leader’s compound in central Tehran left Mojtaba “disfigured”, with a significant injury to one or both legs. The reports also said he remained “mentally sharp” while recovering from his wounds.
He has continued participating in meetings with senior officials through audio conferences and remains involved in key decisions concerning the war and negotiations with Washington.
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US-Iran tensions
The latest footage has emerged as tensions between the United States and Iran have mounted once again. A preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries recently expired, while the US President said no further talks were underway with Tehran.
Washington has also increased economic pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a sanctions campaign aimed at cutting off Tehran’s financial lifelines as the war approaches its six-month mark.
Another major sticking point remains the restoration of shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade. The issue continues to be a major point of difference between the two sides.
Bessent also announced that Washington would expand secondary sanctions and warned countries continuing to deal with Iran that they could “share in the isolation” of Tehran.
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