Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from serious facial and leg injuries sustained during the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war, three people close to his inner circle told Reuters. Khamenei’s face was disfigured in the attack on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran and he suffered severe injuries to one or both legs, according to all three sources.
Mojtaba Khamenei recovering from injuries with mental clarity – plays role in decision making
The 56-year-old, however, is recovering from his injuries and remains mentally sharp, according to these individuals who requested anonymity to speak on sensitive matters. He participates in meetings with senior officials via audio conferences and plays a role in decision-making on critical issues such as the war and negotiations with Washington, two of the sources said.
The question of whether Khamenei’s health condition allows him to manage state affairs arises as Iran faces the most serious threat in decades, with peace talks with the US expected to begin today in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The accounts from these individuals close to Khamenei’s inner circle are the most detailed descriptions of the Iranian leader’s health condition given in weeks. Reuters was unable to independently verify their descriptions.
Khamenei’s whereabouts, health condition, and ability to govern remain largely mysterious to citizens, as no photographs, videos, or audio messages have been released since the airstrike and his subsequent appointment as his father’s successor on March 8.
Iran’s UN mission did not respond to Reuters questions about the extent of Khamenei’s injuries or why he has not yet appeared in visual or audio material.
Khamenei was injured on February 28, the first day of the war launched by the US and Israel, in an attack that killed his father and predecessor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989. Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife and other family members were also killed in the attack.
There has been no official Iranian announcement about the extent of Khamenei’s injuries. However, a presenter on state television called him “janbaz,” a term used for those seriously wounded in war, after his elevation to supreme leader.
Reports of Khamenei’s injuries align with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statement on March 13, who said Khamenei is “wounded and possibly disfigured.”
A source with knowledge of US intelligence assessments told Reuters that Khamenei is believed to have lost one leg.
The CIA declined to comment on Khamenei’s health condition. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office did not respond to questions.
APE-MPE
