Newly appointed Iranian leader Modżtaba Chamenei sustained injuries during US-Israeli strikes, conflicting reports confirm, with sources citing his “luck” in surviving.
Absence Sparked Suspicion
Modżtaba Chamenei has not been seen publicly nor issued any statements since his election as Iran’s supreme leader on Sunday. His disappearance fueled speculation that he was harmed during recent American and Israeli attacks.
An Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday (March 11) that the leader is injured but continues his duties. State television earlier reported Chamenei sustained wounds from military operations.
Modżtaba Chamenei “Was Lucky”
Jusef Pezeszkian, son of Iranian President Pezeszkian and a government advisor, confirmed Chamenei is wounded but “whole and healthy.” A Reuters source did not specify when the injury occurred or why he remained silent upon assuming power.
Iranian state television stated the initial US-Israeli air strikes on February 28 targeted Iranian leaders. Chamenei’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his mother, sister, and wife were killed in these attacks. Israeli intelligence reports suggest Chamenei suffered minor injuries, explaining his absence.
Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus, Ali Reza Salarian, told “The Guardian” that Modżtaba “was lucky to survive the attack that leveled his father’s residence.” The diplomat added the leader hasn’t appeared publicly due to his health condition and is currently hospitalized.
Targeted for Elimination
On March 3, Donald Trump stated an “insider” within Iran’s establishment might be best positioned to take power post-war, warning against “someone as bad as their predecessor.” Israel’s defense minister declared any leader from Iran’s “terrorist regime” would be a “clear elimination target” regardless of who assumes control.
Iran International, an opposition portal, notes 56-year-old Chamenei has maintained decades-long ties with the IRGC, serving as a key liaison between his father and the group’s command. Journalists consider him a architect of the repressive system used to suppress anti-government protests. Analyst Arash Azizi cited rumors about his role dating back to at least 2009.
