Media: Iranian clerics question health of new leader Mojtaba Khamenei

The poor health of Mojtaba Khamenei and his limited communication with government officials have triggered criticism and political manoeuvring among senior clerics in Iran, according to information obtained by Iran International.

The report says concerns about Khamenei’s physical condition and ability to govern have been voiced by several influential figures within the clerical establishment.

Among those reportedly raising concerns are Ali Asghar Hijazi and Alireza Arafi, who also serve on the country’s Interim Leadership Council.

According to the report, these clerics are advocating a return of authority in the Islamic Republic to the Interim Leadership Council.

Hijazi and Arafi are also said to be among influential clerics criticising the expanding role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the dominance of its commanders in state decision-making during the ongoing war.

The divide between political officials and ruling clerics on one side and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the other has reportedly deepened since the killing of Iran’s former leader, particularly after Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the leadership of the Islamic Republic.

By Tamilla Hasanova