Is the Ayatollah room temperature yet?

Who the heck knows? Rumors continue to swirl. Here's a quick roundup.

Michael Ledeen checks in with this intriguing update:

UPDATE (Wednesday Oct 14th): According to a bulletin from the Greens (Moussavi/Karroubi et al), there are widespread rumors in the Tehran Bazaar that Khamenei has died. The Greens say they cannot confirm it, but that there is an “abnormal atmosphere” in the streets, which almost certainly means there are more security people than usual.

The bazaar will apparently be closed tomorrow, and perhaps Friday as well, pending developments.

The Anti-Mullah is still on the case and reminds us of the fact that Ayatollah Khomenei's death was concealed for two months before acknowledged: Update: Khamenei - Death being concealed?

Denial of Khamenei Senior's death has to overcome some visible changes:

1. Government buildings are being draped in black cloth. (Reports on this come from multiple Twitters).

2. All Islamic Iranian TV announcers have suddenly turned to wearind all black clothing.

3. Bassiji Suppression forces have poured into the streets to enforce crowd control and prevent gatherings, which have not yet taken place.

4. The constant grumbling of clerics about the Supreme Ruler and efforts to replace him with a Ruling Committee have abruptly ceased.

Iran's Armenian embassy says "the spread rumor over Ayatollah Khamenei death is slander and has nothing to do with the reality: Ayatollah is not dead."

And ITAR TASS is reporting that well informed sources in Tehran have dismissed the rumors although Pravda is saying this:

Sources at the Iranian opposition said that the spiritual leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died. The Iranian police have increased their activities in the streets of Teheran recently.

For the time being, it is known that Khamenei lost consciousness on Monday afternoon and was hospitalized. Only his son and personal therapist have the right to visit Ayatollah at hospital. Khamenei reportedly lapsed into coma, although spokespeople for the Iranian opposition say that the spiritual leader has passed away.

The Iranian administration has not commented the situation yet.

Looks like the 24 hour rule will have to be extended to 48 hours on this one.

Update: 11:47 am MST: Ynet News reports that Iranian regime website Tabnak states that the rumors of Ayatollah K's death/coma a "shameless lie". Heh.