Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Images and a video clip posted by Iranian government websites and official media showed Iranian leader, Ali Khamenei, sitting in a council in Tehran, attending his 40th anniversary, the day after he news of his deteriorating health spread.
It showed a photo of Khamenei wearing a mask, greeting the crowd that attended the ceremony commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Other photos showed that he was sitting in a chair on the right side of the space (the mosque), holding the rosaries and looking at the imam who was delivering the sermon.
In a 12-minute video clip, Khamenei is seen listening and interacting during the event as Shia faithful gather to celebrate the end of the 40-day mourning period to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the prophet’s grandson. Mohammed, seven centuries ago. A video clip broadcast by state media showed Khamenei addressing the crowd at the event.
The New York Times said Friday that Khamenei canceled all public appearances last week after he became “seriously ill” and was under the supervision of a team of doctors.
Citing four unidentified people familiar with his health, The New York Times said Khamenei is resting in bed after undergoing surgery last week for a bowel obstruction.
Pictures published in various Iranian media indicate that 83-year-old Ayatollah was physically able to appear in public at the event.
Khamenei has been the leader of Iran for the past three decades and is one of the longest-serving rulers in the Middle East. It is not clear who will succeed the leader, but in the event of his death it is expected that the Assembly of Experts will meet to discuss his successor.
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