Iran says Khamenei met Pezeshkian — but still offers no glimpse of supreme leader

Tehran, August 10 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently held a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained largely unseen since taking office early in the Middle East conflict, according to Khamenei's office. The statement from the supreme leader's office did not specify the date of the encounter. Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency in July 2024, mentioned in early May that a meeting with Khamenei had taken place, but again, no specific date was disclosed.

The president reported in recent remarks that communication with Khamenei is "very difficult at the moment," leading to speculation about the supreme leader's health. Reports suggested Khamenei was injured during strikes that claimed his father's life. Khamenei's office confirmed that the two leaders discussed "the country's issues and problems," including the ongoing military situation and its future outlook.

Iran had been negotiating with the United States to bring an end to the war initiated by the US and Israel in February, but a preliminary agreement fell through. Subsequently, top Iranian diplomat has stated that ongoing talks now consist of exchanging messages via intermediaries. Tasnim news agency, citing a Revolutionary Guards general, reported that images depicting Khamenei in public and at meetings are expected to be released "in the future," although no specific timeline was provided.