Reuters reports that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from facial and leg injuries sustained in an attack that killed his father.
Injuries Sustained in US-Israel Attack on Tehran
According to Reuters, citing three sources close to the matter, new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still recovering from severe facial and leg injuries sustained during an attack in which his father was killed at the start of the war.
The three sources stated that Khamenei’s face was disfigured in the February 28th US-Israeli attack on the leadership headquarters in central Tehran, and he also suffered serious injuries to one or both legs.
Recovery and Continued Decision-Making
Two of the sources indicated that the 56-year-old Khamenei is recovering and remains fully mentally capable. He is participating in meetings with high-ranking officials via video conference and is involved in decision-making on important matters, including the war and negotiations with Washington.
Lack of Public Appearances and Intelligence Reports
Reuters notes that information from sources close to Khamenei represents the most detailed description of his health in weeks. Since being selected as the spiritual and political leader on March 8th, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public.
Wounded During Initial Attack
Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded on the first day of the war initiated by the United States and Israel, in the attack that killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country since 1989.
Iranian Government Silence and US Assessments
Iranian authorities have not issued any statement regarding his injuries, but Reuters notes that a state television news presenter used a term when referring to him that is used in reference to people seriously wounded in war.
Reports cited by Reuters regarding Khamenei’s injuries align with a statement by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 13th, who said Khamenei was “wounded and likely maimed.” A source familiar with US intelligence assessments told Reuters that Khamenei is believed to have lost a leg.
Conflicting Reports on Condition
On Tuesday, the British newspaper “The Times” described an intelligence note stating that Khamenei is being treated in the city of Kom but is unable to participate in governing as he remains unconscious.