September 23, 2022
The New York Times reported September 17 that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenehi was at death’s door, too weak “to even sit up in bed.” Hours later Khamenehi walked across a stage and took a seat at an Arbaeen event, then gave a speech in a firm voice. Khamenehi had not been seen in at least 10 days before the Arbaeen appearance. Such absences from public view invariably prompt reports that he is dying. The Times’ Farnaz Fassihi said four people told her Khamenehi was “gravely ill.”