Iran’s supreme leader undergoes prostate surgery

Official Twitter feed says operation on 75-year-old Ali Khamenei was successful

Ilan Ben Zion is an AFP reporter and a former news editor at The Times of Israel.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Thursday, March 20, 2014,  (photo credit: AP/Office of the Supreme Leader)
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Thursday, March 20, 2014, (photo credit: AP/Office of the Supreme Leader)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei underwent prostate surgery and was recovering in the hospital, his office reported on social media on Monday.

“There is no reason to worry; this, of course, does not mean that I don’t need people’s prayers, but God willing, there is no point to worry as it is a normal operation,” Khamenei was quoted by the semi-official Fars News saying ahead of his operation

The leader’s Twitter feed announced the surgery was successful and that he was recovering in a Tehran hospital.

Khamenei, 75, has served as the supreme leader since 1989. The Iranian government rarely publicizes information about his health.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.