Iran fires back at Pete Hegseth ‘hiding like rats’ remark: 'Your leaders are on Epstein’s island'

TEHRAN, IRAN: A sharp war of words erupted between the United States and Iran after remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, March 13, about Iranian leaders during the ongoing conflict. 

The comments triggered an immediate response from Tehran, with Iranian officials rejecting the accusations and countering with their own criticism of American leadership. The exchange reflects rising tensions between the two sides as the conflict continues.

Pete Hegseth’s remarks on Iran’s leadership

During a media briefing, Hegseth claimed that Iran’s leadership had been weakened by weeks of fighting and suggested that the country’s leaders were hiding. He said the Iranian leadership was “desperate and hiding,” adding that they had “gone underground, cowering,” and described such behavior by saying, “That’s what rats do.”

Hegseth also spoke about Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, claiming that he had been seriously injured. According to him, the leader was “wounded and likely disfigured.” He further said, "He called for unity. Apparently killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity."

He questioned why a recent message attributed to Mojtaba appeared only in written form without any accompanying voice or video recording. Hegseth said Iran "has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders" and asked why only a written statement had been released.

Hegseth claimed, "I think you know why. His father, dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who's in charge? Iran may not even know." Mojtaba issued his first public message on Thursday after assuming the position of supreme leader.

In a written statement that was read on Iranian state television, he warned that Iran would strike all US military bases in the region if they were not shut down immediately. He also vowed that Iran would continue to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. 

“I would like to thank the brave fighters who are doing a great job at a time when our country is under pressure and under attack,” the Iranian leader said. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” with Mojtaba's appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader and suggested that he could face the same fate as his father.

Ali Larijani responds to Pete Hegseth with ‘Epstein’s island’ remark

Iran quickly rejected Hegseth’s comments, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, dismissed the accusation that Iranian leaders were hiding. He responded directly to Hegseth, saying Iranian leaders were still among the public. 

Larijani added a pointed remark aimed at US leaders, saying, “Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epstein’s island!”

The statement came as Iranian officials appeared publicly during the annual Al Quds Day rally held in Tehran in support of Palestinians. Footage circulating online showed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian walking through the crowd, greeting people and even stopping for selfies with participants along the route, reportedly without a visible security detail.

Large crowds filled the streets during the rally, chanting slogans including “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” while waving Iranian flags and displaying images linked to Palestinian fighters. Several senior officials attended the event, including Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Tensions further escalated when an explosion struck a square in Tehran during the demonstrations, causing the death of one woman. Larijani blamed Israel for the attack, saying the b*mbing showed Israel was acting out of fear and was “running out of option."