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Health of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s raises concern

TEHRAN — Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly recently underwent surgery, taking the 83-year-old out of the public eye for almost two weeks, leading many to speculate on his health.

According to The New York Times, Khamenei had a bowel obstruction surgery sometime in September, leading to the cancelation of all public appearances.

According to The Associated Press, 83-year-old Khamenei spoke to students in Tehran on Saturday but stood during the seven-minute speech. Iran’s supreme leader typically speaks while sitting down.

Iran does not comment publicly on the health of Iran’s supreme leader, and reports of a possible decline have been through anonymous sources, according to The Times.

Khamenei’s health is treated as a state secret in Iran due to how it might affect future nuclear talks and ongoing conflicts in the region, according to The Wall Street Journal.

His age and health problems raise the question of who might succeed him.

Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: 3 things to know

What does “supreme leader of Iran” mean?

The supreme leader of Iran is the head of state and the country’s highest religious and political authority. According to The Associated Press, Iran’s supreme leader has the final say on all matters of state.

The supreme leader is ranked above the president of the country and appoints all military, judiciary and government leaders.

When did Ayatollah Ali Khamenei become Iran’s supreme leader?

The Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei as the next supreme leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on June 4, 1989.

The first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, took power following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

How long has Ayatollah Ali Khamenei been in power?

Khamenei’s rule has spanned eight presidents, from President Jimmy Carter to President Joe Biden.

According to CNN, he is the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East.