Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sought to dispel rumors about his health by posting a photograph of himself meeting Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon. The image, shared on Khamenei’s official X account, comes amid widespread but unconfirmed reports suggesting the 85-year-old leader is in a coma.

The post described the meeting as taking place “at noon today, on the sidelines of his daily meetings,” showing Khamenei in his office conversing with Amani. The timing of the image has drawn significant attention as speculation mounts over Khamenei’s health and potential succession plans.

The reports of illness coincide with allegations that Khamenei held a secret meeting to nominate his 55-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor. These claims remain unverified but have fueled intense political discussion within and outside Iran.

The ambassador featured in the photo, Mojtaba Amani, was reportedly injured during an explosion in Beirut in September. The incident occurred when devices used by Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, detonated, injuring nearly 3,000 people.

This development follows Khamenei’s highly publicized sermon in October, marking his first in five years. Speaking during heightened tensions with Israel, the Supreme Leader declared unwavering support for Hamas and Hezbollah. Armed with a gun during the address, he emphasized Iran’s stance against Israel, asserting that its opponents would ultimately triumph.

The ongoing speculation over Khamenei’s health and leadership has raised questions about the future of Iran’s governance and its regional alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions.