The "New York Times" reported from four sources that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, canceled all meetings and public appearances last week after a serious health issue and is now bedridden under the monitoring of a team of doctors. One person indicated that Khamenei, aged 83, underwent surgery last week due to a bowel obstruction after experiencing severe stomach pain and a high fever.
Khamenei had the surgery at a clinic established within the complex that houses his home and office, and he is currently under constant observation by a team of doctors, according to the informed person. The source stated that the Supreme Leader's condition was considered critical last week, but has improved, and he is now resting, monitored around the clock, though doctors are concerned that he is still too weak to sit up in bed.
As the Supreme Leader, Khamenei holds significant power in Iran and will have the final say on matters such as the nuclear agreement currently being negotiated with the United States.
The "Tasnim" news agency affiliated with the "Revolutionary Guard" published a brief news item on Friday stating that Khamenei will attend a religious ceremony with university students on Saturday. However, it remains unclear whether he will actually attend given his health condition.
"Last Time Visiting the Shrine"
Khamenei traveled to the city of Mashhad about two weeks ago to perform a ritual known as dust cleaning at the tomb of Imam Reza in Mashhad. He focused on a secluded area of the shrine, cleaned it, and placed his head on the gravestone, indicating prayer and reverence. Iranian media published a photo of him at the shrine.
A person who traveled with him reported Khamenei saying it could be the last time he visits the shrine given his age. The individual noted that Khamenei fell ill shortly after arriving in Tehran, and his condition deteriorated over the past week.
His office canceled all meetings last week, including an important annual meeting with the Assembly of Experts, the body that will decide on his successor after his death, which was scheduled for September 6, because he was too ill to sit up, according to four people familiar with his health condition.
