U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader, "Mojtaba Khamenei," was injured and may be disfigured after an attack early in the U.S.–Israel–Iran war, while he has yet to appear publicly.
On 13 Mar 2026 GMT+7, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, was injured and might be disfigured from wounds sustained during an attack early in the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict.
Hegseth said during a press conference that the U.S. knows the new leader, called the Supreme Leader, was injured and is likely disfigured.
Hegseth's remarks came after Khamenei issued his first written statement on Thursday since assuming the position of Iran's Supreme Leader.
However, Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking over from his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a bombing attack in Tehran at the start of the U.S.–Israel–Iran war on 28 Feb 2026 GMT+7.
Iranian authorities previously confirmed the new Supreme Leader was injured but did not disclose details about the nature or severity of his wounds. The situation has heightened speculation about his health and ability to govern as Iran faces war in the Middle East.
Source: Reuters