Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei's injury after Pentagon claims leader 'wounded and likely disfigured'

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday, March 14, there was “no problem” with the country’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following reports that he was injured during the early phase of the ongoing military campaign against Iran. 

The remarks came amid claims from US officials that Khamenei was wounded in airstrikes linked to the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Iranian officials have publicly rejected those assertions, maintaining that the country’s leadership and governing institutions continue to function normally.

The statements highlight contrasting accounts from Tehran and Washington about the condition of Iran’s leadership during the conflict.

Abbas Araghchi dismisses reports about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition

During an interview with Ayman Mohyeldin on MS NOW, Araghchi addressed reports circulating about the condition of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader.

He said there was “no problem with the supreme leader,” rejecting suggestions that the leader had been seriously injured.

“He is performing his duties according to the Constitution, and he will continue to do that,” Araghchi said during the interview. He added that other functions of government remained operational and that the “system is working.”

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the outbreak of hostilities. However, Iranian state television aired a written statement attributed to him on Thursday, March 12. The message was read by a presenter rather than delivered directly by the leader.

The absence of a public appearance has contributed to speculation about the leader’s condition following the early stages of the conflict.

Iranian officials have not provided detailed information about his location or security arrangements, but Araghchi maintained that the country’s leadership structure continues to operate according to constitutional procedures.

Pentagon says new supreme leader injured during early strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was injured during the early stages of the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Speaking during a press briefing at the United States Department of Defense headquarters at the Pentagon, Hegseth said that the leader was “wounded and likely disfigured,” referencing reports about injuries sustained during the initial airstrikes.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership of Iran after his father, longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed in Israeli airstrikes on his compound in Tehran on February 28.

Iranian state media later broadcast a written message attributed to the new leader, warning that Tehran would continue retaliatory actions against the United States and its regional allies.

During the briefing, Hegseth also described the situation facing Iran’s leadership following the attacks.

“Iran’s leadership is in no better shape, desperate and hiding. They’ve gone underground, cowering. That’s what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth said.