Fact Check: "Khamenei hasn't been seen in public for 11 days amid escalating tensions."
What We Know
The claim regarding Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not being seen in public for 11 days is grounded in recent reports about his unusual behavior amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel. Following a series of Israeli airstrikes, Khamenei has reportedly taken significant security measures, including retreating to a bunker and limiting his public appearances. According to a report from the New York Times, Khamenei has been communicating primarily through trusted aides and has suspended electronic communications to avoid detection. This behavior is attributed to fears of assassination amid the ongoing conflict, which has seen a marked increase in military actions against Iran.
Despite these claims, Khamenei has not completely disappeared from public view; he has delivered recorded video messages to the Iranian populace during this period. The last of these messages was reportedly broadcast shortly after the onset of the Israeli strikes, indicating that while he may not be making traditional public appearances, he is still communicating with the public through alternative means (Times of Israel).
Analysis
The assertion that Khamenei has not been seen in public for 11 days is partially true. It is accurate that he has significantly reduced his public visibility and has taken extraordinary precautions due to the current military situation. The New York Times emphasizes that Khamenei's retreat to a bunker and his decision to communicate through aides are indicative of the heightened security concerns he faces. However, the claim overlooks the fact that he has still managed to deliver video messages, which constitutes a form of public communication, albeit not in the traditional sense.
The reliability of the sources reporting on Khamenei's situation varies. The New York Times is generally regarded as a credible news outlet with a history of thorough reporting, while the Times of Israel also provides timely updates on Middle Eastern affairs. However, the context of Khamenei's communications and the implications of his actions must be understood against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, which may influence the framing of these reports.
Conclusion
The claim that "Khamenei hasn't been seen in public for 11 days amid escalating tensions" is Partially True. While it is correct that he has not made traditional public appearances and has taken significant security measures due to fears of assassination, he has still communicated with the public through recorded messages. This nuance is crucial in understanding the full context of his visibility during this period of heightened tension.
