Iran’s UN envoy says supreme leader absent for security reasons

Iran’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, said the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in public due to security considerations, according to CNN.

Despite his absence, Bahraini said Khamenei continues to carry out his official duties.

“The reason for his absence from public view is the observance of security considerations due to the current special circumstances,” said Bahraini, according to Iran’s state-affiliated Student News Network (SNN), adding that “he is in full health and is continuing to lead the country.”

Khamenei has not been seen publicly since his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Since his appointment, only statements attributed to the new supreme leader have been read out publicly.

Earlier this month, a source familiar with the situation told CNN that Khamenei had sustained a fractured foot and other minor injuries on the first day of the U.S. and Israeli bombardment campaign. The source said the 56-year-old also suffered bruising around his left eye and minor facial lacerations.

Separate media reports have claimed that Khamenei narrowly survived an attack on his bunker, reportedly leaving the location shortly before it was struck. 

By Sabina Mammadli