Iran supreme leader had 'successful' prostate surgery

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei successfully underwent prostate surgery, official media announced Monday in an unprecedented public statement on his health, which has long been subject to speculation.
      
The 75-year-old cleric, who has ruled since the death in 1989 of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, had a routine operation, according to IRNA, Iran's official news agency.
      
"There is nothing to worry about," the supreme leader said in a brief interview recorded before he entered hospital and aired on state television after his treatment was made known.
      
"This does not mean that prayers are not welcome... but it is a normal operation," he added.
      
As Iran's supreme guide, Khamenei has the final word on all matters of state and his authority far exceeds that of the country's elected politicians, including President Hassan Rouhani.
      
Khamenei's powers include direct control of the regime's media apparatus -- through state television and radio -- and thus he would have personally taken the decision to publicise his surgery.
      
As an example of his overriding influence, Khamenei made a speech on July 7 listing Iran's demands under any nuclear deal with the West, while confidential negotiations were ongoing.        

Just two weeks later a deadline for an agreement between Iran and six world powers was ultimately missed, requiring talks between the two sides to be extended for four months.
      
Monday's announcement was the first time that official information has been given on Khamenei's health. In recent years, there have been widely circulated rumours that he had prostate cancer.
     
Khamenei's website quoted Dr...