Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Makes Public Appearance Amid Reports of His Death
by JNS.org
JNS.org – Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public appearance on Sunday amid rumors of his failing health.
State-sponsored television broadcasted images of Khamenei meeting with environmental officials and activists at his residence in central Tehran, Reuters reported. The images showed Khamenei appearing comfortable and healthy.
Over the last few days, several foreign media outlets reported thatKhamenei, 75, had died. Other reports suggested that Khamenei has become extremely ill following a diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer that was discovered during surgery in September 2014.
Khamenei has been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, when he took over for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution. It is unclear who would succeed Khamenei should he die. According to the Iranian Constitution, the Assembly of Experts, comprised of around 86 Islamic theologians who serve eight-year terms, is in charge of electing the supreme leader.