The Iranian ambassador to Moscow has denied reports suggesting that Mohtajbā Khamenei is receiving medical treatment in Russia. Reports had claimed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran was injured on the first day of the conflict and was transported urgently to Moscow for emergency surgery on his leg. There were further allegations that this transfer was conducted secretly aboard a Russian military aircraft, and that he had surgery in one of Vladimir Putin's presidential palaces.

Mohtajbā Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after his death due to US-Israel strikes in Iran. However, he has not made any public appearances since the onset of the war, leading to various speculations regarding his health status. The fact that his first address to the Iranian people was delivered by a presenter on Iranian television has fueled widespread rumors suggesting he may have been seriously injured in the initial attacks that also killed his father and his wife.

The denial from the Iranian ambassador highlights the ongoing disinformation and surrounding speculation in times of turmoil. If the rumors about Khamenei's health are indeed unfounded, it reflects the Iranian leadership's efforts to maintain a façade of stability amidst the chaos of ongoing military conflict and international scrutiny. However, the lack of visible leadership could pose significant risks for Iran's domestic and foreign policy in the current climate.