There is speculation that these rumors are spread by the Israelis, to jam up the nuclear deal. The timing is right.
Khamenei has cancer and is dying, but precipitating a power struggle right now could make a deal impossible. So hey, why not give it a try?
Why not?
I’ll play! LOL!
I just saw another thread claiming he is alive.
Now we will be treated to the Franco/Arafat/Castro scenario, I guess.