IranWire:

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public for 25 days, sparking widespread speculation about his health, whereabouts, and the stability of the Islamic Republic.

Khamenei’s absence is especially conspicuous as he has missed the Muharram ceremonies he traditionally attends. Across Iran and social media, people are asking whether he is in hiding, has left the country, is gravely ill, or possibly dead.

This prolonged disappearance comes at a moment of heightened tension for Iran, arguably its most critical period since the 1980–88 war with Iraq, marked by military pressure from Israel and escalating domestic political tensions.

What has made the Supreme Leader's absence more prominent than ever is his absence from the Imam Khomeini Husseiniyeh ceremonies, where he has long presided during Muharram, which has only intensified public concern.

The Supreme Leader's absence from public view is not a new phenomenon - there have been periods in the past when he was not seen at ceremonies or in media coverage.

But this time is different. 25 days of complete absence, in the midst of Iran's most critical days since the eight-year war with Iraq.

Meanwhile, senior regime figures such as Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and Masoud Pezeshkian have made public appearances at these ceremonies, seemingly to project unity and reassure the Islamic Republic’s stability despite the absence of its top leader.

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