Official: Khamenei Enjoys Good Health

"He is in completely good health," said Mohammed Ali Hosseini, ministry spokesman, in his weekly media briefing when he was asked about Khamenei. "Some media made speculations that were not true. We wish him a long life and (lasting) good health."

Earlier this week, rumors appeared on the Internet claiming Khamenei was dead.

Khamenei, 67, has final say on all state matters in Iran as supreme leader, a post he has held since 1989.

Iran's supreme leader wields control over every major decision either directly or through a network of hand-picked loyalists and institutions, including the Revolutionary Guards, the judiciary and intelligence services.

Khamenei's fatwas, or religious edicts, are observed by followers in Iran and beyond.

Khamenei is expected to meet a group of Iranian officials on Monday. His last public appearance was in late December when he inspected elite troops at Iran's Military Academy in Tehran.

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