Pezeshkian claims a 7-hour meeting with elusive Mojtaba Khamenei amid questions over his whereabouts

TEHRAN, Aug 10: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that he held a seven-hour meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, claiming they discussed a wide range of issues, including the economy, sanctions, employment, housing and national unity.

“I discussed with him all of the country’s issues, including people’s livelihoods, the state of the market, employment, housing, sanctions, how we stand firm, the people’s support, unity and cohesion,” Pezeshkian said.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA, citing Khamenei’s office, said the meeting took place around the beginning of the third year of Pezeshkian’s presidency, which began in late July.

The reported meeting comes amid continuing questions over Mojtaba Khamenei’s whereabouts and condition. The new Supreme Leader has not been publicly seen since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other members of his family. He was reportedly injured in the attack.

Mojtaba was also notably absent from his father’s funeral ceremonies in Tehran in July, despite his three brothers appearing publicly alongside their father’s coffin. He was also reported absent from ceremonies for his wife, Zahra Haddad-Adel, who was killed in the February 28 attack.

His prolonged absence has fueled speculation about his health, security and ability to carry out his duties. Iranian officials have said security concerns are behind his lack of public appearances.

Adding to the questions surrounding his visibility, Mojtaba’s father-in-law, Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, said in July that the Supreme Leader was not communicating with any party or individual “for specific reasons.” He did not elaborate, while expressing hope that Mojtaba was in good health.

Pezeshkian’s latest claim of a seven-hour face-to-face meeting therefore represents a notable assertion about Mojtaba’s current activities, particularly given his continued absence from public view. Reuters reported that the meeting was described by Iranian state media as a recent interaction and said it was a rare indication of contact between the president and the Supreme Leader.

The conflicting public picture — with Mojtaba remaining unseen while Iranian officials report private meetings with him — is likely to keep attention focused on the health, security and functioning of Iran’s new Supreme Leader.

There have also been reports that old photographs and previously recorded video footage have been circulated by Iranian state and IRGC-linked media in an apparent effort to demonstrate Mojtaba Khamenei’s continued presence and activity. The circulation of archival material has drawn scrutiny because he has not made a confirmed public appearance since February 28 and was notably absent from his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral. The use of older footage has therefore fueled speculation that the material is being used as propaganda to project an image of continuity and control, rather than providing independent evidence of Mojtaba’s current whereabouts.