Iran Denies Reports of Supreme Leader Receiving Medical Treatment in Russia
Tehran – Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, has refuted recent reports claiming that the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is currently receiving medical treatment in Russia. The denial comes amid speculation following alleged injuries sustained in a recent US-Israeli strike.
Ambassador Jalali’s Statement
According to statements made to Russian state news agency TASS on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Ambassador Jalali dismissed the reports as unfounded. He emphasized that Iranian leaders “do not demand to flee or hide in bunkers. their place is in the streets among the people.” Source: TASS
Jalali characterized the reports as a form of psychological warfare, stating, “The blood of Khamenei’s martyrdom negates the effects of psychological warfare and a flood of lies.” Source: TASS
Previous Reports and Kremlin Response
The denial follows reports from Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, which claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was severely injured in a US-Israeli strike on February 28th and subsequently transported to Moscow for treatment aboard a Russian military aircraft. Source: TBS News
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously refrained from commenting on the reports when questioned by the press. Source: TASS, Source: TBS News
Speculation and Ongoing Conflict
Speculation regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health has increased in recent weeks, particularly following questions raised about his first public statement since assuming leadership. Some observers have noted similarities between his remarks and those of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and the lack of accompanying audio recordings. Source: TBS News
This denial occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions and conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel. Source: Hindustan Times