Iran's foreign ministry on Sunday denied rumors that supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had died, adding he was in good health. "He is in completely good health," said Mohammed Ali Hosseini, ministry spokesman, according to AFP. "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 passed away.
Khamenei, 67, controls every major decision either directly or through a network of hand-picked loyalists and institutions, including the Revolutionary Guards, the judiciary and intelligence services.