Fact Check: Khamenei hasn't been seen in public for 11 days but still controls Iran.

Fact Check: "Khamenei hasn't been seen in public for 11 days but still controls Iran."

What We Know

The claim that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not been seen in public for 11 days is supported by various reports indicating that he has maintained a low profile recently. For instance, Khamenei has not made any public appearances or statements during this period, which has raised questions about his health and ability to govern. However, it is important to note that Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989 and has a well-established system of governance that allows him to exert control even in his absence. His role as the supreme leader is supported by a network of institutions and loyalists, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and various governmental bodies, which continue to operate effectively without his direct oversight (source-1, source-4).

Analysis

The assertion that Khamenei still controls Iran despite not being seen in public for 11 days is partially true. While it is accurate that he has not made public appearances, the mechanisms of power in Iran are designed to function independently of any single individual, including the Supreme Leader. The IRGC and other state institutions have historically been able to maintain order and implement policies even during periods of Khamenei's absence or low visibility (source-1, source-8).

However, the reliability of sources reporting on Khamenei's public absence varies. For example, while mainstream media outlets have reported on his absence, they often lack direct insights into the internal workings of the Iranian government, which can lead to speculation about his health and the implications for governance (source-3, source-6). Additionally, the context of his absence should be considered; Khamenei has faced numerous protests and challenges to his authority in the past, which may influence public perception and media coverage of his current situation (source-1, source-4).

Conclusion

The claim that Khamenei has not been seen in public for 11 days but still controls Iran is partially true. While it is factual that he has not appeared publicly, the governance structure in Iran allows for continued control and operation of state mechanisms without his direct involvement. This indicates that while Khamenei's absence raises questions about his health and leadership, it does not necessarily equate to a loss of control over the country.

Fact Check: Khamenei hasn't been seen in public for 11 days but still controls Iran.