Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed ongoing rumors regarding the health of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday, asserting that the leader is in good health and fully capable of fulfilling his duties. The statement comes amidst a period of intense public speculation, as Khamenei has not been seen in public for several months.

Reports circulating in international media have suggested that the Supreme Leader may be incapacitated or deceased. These rumors gained traction following reports of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, which were said to have caused significant injuries to Khamenei. While the Iranian government has maintained that the leadership remains stable, the lack of recent public appearances by the Supreme Leader has fueled concerns about a potential succession crisis or a power vacuum within the Iranian government. President Pezeshkian’s intervention is viewed by analysts as a deliberate attempt to quell domestic anxiety and project an image of continuity within the regime.