Key Points
- Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida reported Mojtaba Khamenei was flown to Moscow for surgery
- Iranian officials deny reports that he was seriously injured or incapacitated
- The claims come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States
MOSCOW: Conflicting reports about the health of Iranian cleric Mojtaba Khamenei have emerged after foreign media claimed he was secretly transported to Russia for surgery following injuries sustained during recent fighting.
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida, citing what it described as a senior Iranian source, reported that Mojtaba Khamenei was flown from Tehran to Moscow, aboard a Russian military aircraft and underwent surgery at a secure medical facility connected to the Russian presidential compound.
According to the report, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of treatment with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a recent phone call, after which Khamenei was transferred with a medical team to Russia.
The newspaper said the procedure was completed successfully and that Khamenei is recovering at a hospital facility in Moscow.
The reports surfaced as speculation has grown over Khamenei’s health and whereabouts after he has not appeared publicly in recent days.
Some Western and Middle Eastern media outlets have reported that he may have been injured during the early stages of military clashes involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Several reports suggested he suffered injuries to his leg or foot.
In an interview cited by international media, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, said he had heard that Khamenei had been injured but did not provide detailed confirmation of the extent of those injuries.
Other reports have circulated claiming the cleric could be undergoing extended medical treatment or recovering from surgery.
Iranian officials, however, have strongly rejected claims that he is seriously injured or unable to perform his duties.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the reports in media remarks, saying there is “no problem” with Khamenei’s condition and that he continues to carry out responsibilities in accordance with Iran’s constitution.
The Iranian government has not confirmed any transfer to Russia or medical treatment abroad.
The situation has fueled speculation across international media and diplomatic circles, particularly as tensions remain high across the Middle East and information about senior Iranian leadership remains tightly controlled.
Authorities in Tehran have not provided further public details about Khamenei’s condition.
Iran Ambassador Denies Moscow Treatment Reports
Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has rejected reports that Mojtaba Khamenei was transferred to Moscow for medical treatment.
In a statement posted on X, Jalali said the claims were false and part of what he described as ongoing propaganda by foreign media.
“Lying becomes a habit, and a liar forgets quickly,” he wrote, referencing an Iranian proverb. He added that similar claims had previously suggested Iranian leaders had fled to countries such as Venezuela or Russia.
Jalali said the latest reports about Khamenei being treated in Moscow were part of a “psychological war,” insisting that Iranian leaders remain present among the public.
He added that Iran’s leadership, armed forces and public resolve would determine the outcome of the ongoing conflict in the region, and that the country would continue to defend its sovereignty against external pressure.
