Iranian state media have officially denied reports of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, declaring the claims false. A tweet had falsely suggested a senior cleric was preparing prayers for the leader.
State media confirmed Khamenei is alive and remains in power. Officials characterized the misinformation as part of a broader disinformation campaign, possibly aimed at creating a narrative of instability within Iran's leadership.
Financial markets showed a brief reaction to the initial unverified report, reflecting momentary uncertainty. However, the impact was limited after credible sources swiftly refuted the claim.
Observers are monitoring for any further official statements from Iranian authorities. Any new developments from state media or the Assembly of Experts will be critical in stabilizing perceptions of the country's leadership outlook.