"Clinically Dead".. Lebanese MP Sparks Controversy Over Khamenei's Fate

Lebanese MP Amin Rifi made an unusual statement regarding the condition of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ebrahim Khamenei, claiming he believes the leader is "clinically dead"—or has effectively ended his political role—as reported by media outlets.

Rifi said: "According to what I understand, Iran's leader Ebrahim Khamenei is either clinically dead, or his political role has effectively ended."

He added that messages published under his name or attributed to him might be part of an effort to reorganize power centers within the Iranian system.

He also linked these developments to Revolutionary Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi, whom he described as leading "what remains of the Revolutionary Guard" and a key figure in "the recent coup."

Rifi considered the steps attributed to Vahidi indicative of an attempt to concentrate religious and political legitimacy in Iran into a single entity.

According to Rifi, the goal of this move was to provide religious backing for one individual within the Iranian system, while weakening potential rivals and depriving other figures competing for power and influence of such support.

The Lebanese MP added that the current crisis, in his view, is not merely a personal struggle over Iran’s leadership, but a sign of broader change. He affirmed that the death of the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, marked the beginning of the end of religious regimes in the region.

Rifi said: "What we are witnessing today is not entrenchment of a religious system, but a struggle over what remains of its influence and legacy." He added that the era of "rule by religious scholars" as a viable model for managing the region has passed, and a fierce struggle now rages over what remains of authority and power after its decline.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes Ebrahim Khamenei "is still alive," though his condition is critical.

Several weeks ago, rumors about Khamenei's deteriorating health caused uncertainty among senior officials in Tehran.

According to a report published by Iran Wire based on two sources close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, Khamenei has not met with any government members since the U.S. attack on the Iranian command headquarters on February 28, which resulted in the death of his father and other family members.