By M10News Foreign Desk
Published: July 27, 2025
A controversial claim has emerged online alleging that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spends most of his day sleeping and is under the influence of mind-altering substances.
The accusation was posted by a Persian-language account that claims affiliation with Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency — a claim that has not been independently verified.

REUTERS
The post, shared widely on social media, described the 85-year-old Iranian leader as “incapacitated,” spending up to 20 hours a day sleeping while using “substances to numb himself.”
However, no evidence has been provided to support the claim, and it has not been corroborated by any credible media outlets or official intelligence sources.
A Mysterious Source
The account, believed by some to be operated or amplified by Mossad-linked cyber units, has previously published unverifiable or provocative material aimed at undermining Iran’s ruling elite.
It remains unclear whether the group has legitimate ties to Israeli intelligence, or whether the post is part of psychological or information warfare tactics amid the long-running Iran-Israel shadow conflict.
Security experts and analysts have urged caution. “This type of claim could easily be part of disinformation operations,” said Michael Renz, a regional security researcher at the Institute for Middle East Policy. “Unless corroborated by reliable sources, it should be treated as speculation.”
Not the First Time
This is not the first time Ayatollah Khamenei’s health has drawn attention. Over the years, there have been recurring rumours about his declining physical condition, including speculation about surgeries and prolonged hospital stays. The Iranian government rarely comments on his health, and official state media continues to broadcast carefully curated appearances.

Khamenei, who has ruled Iran since 1989, remains one of the most powerful political and religious figures in the region. Any credible health crisis could have major political implications within the country and across the Middle East, especially as Tehran faces heightened tensions with the West over its nuclear program and regional activities.
Wider Context: Disinformation or Power Shift?
The claim surfaces at a time of growing uncertainty inside Iran, as well as increasing digital campaigns targeting the country’s leadership. Intelligence experts warn that such narratives—especially when shared by accounts hinting at foreign involvement—are often meant to test public reaction or provoke unrest.

“This kind of messaging tests the waters,” said Renz. “It raises questions about succession planning, loyalty within the regime, and may even be aimed at stirring elite-level divisions.”
No Comment from Tehran
As of publication, Iran’s government has issued no statement addressing the viral post. State media has continued broadcasting religious content and past footage of the Supreme Leader, without directly acknowledging the allegations.
While the truth behind the claim remains unclear, its rapid spread on Farsi social platforms suggests an audience willing to question or challenge the state narrative.
Editing by M10News Foreign Desk | Contact: foreign@m10news.com
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