Iranian Official Faces Health Speculation Following Viral Video

A video circulating on social media has sparked concerns about the health of Ali Akbar Velayati, the prominent foreign policy advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The footage reveals Dr. Velayati walking with noticeable difficulty and a curved back, requiring assistance from his bodyguards.

The video follows earlier images depicting Velayati in a weakened state, contributing to widespread speculation about his well-being. Despite the public's curiosity, no official information regarding the current health status of the head of Masih Daneshvari Hospital has been disclosed.

In response to the video, social media users have drawn attention to Velayati's extensive responsibilities. Ali Qolhaki on the X network expressed astonishment at Velayati's ability to maintain roles such as the international advisor to the Supreme Leader, member of the Expediency Discernment Council, chairman of the founding board of Azad University, and secretary-general of the Islamic Awakening Assembly, considering his apparent physical challenges.

Born in 1945 in Tehran, Velayati, a pediatric specialist from the University of Tehran, acquired expertise in infectious diseases from Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Serving in various governmental roles, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, and as a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Velayati has played a significant role in the regime’s politics.