Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in first day of US-Israeli strikes: report

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was reportedly wounded during the first day of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to a report published by The New York Times on Wednesday, March 11.

Mojtaba Khamenei was formally announced as Iran’s new supreme leader on Sunday following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who had led the country for decades before being killed during the first day of the war.

Report claims Mojtaba Khamenei was injured on the first day of strikes

According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the same wave of strikes that killed his father and triggered the wider conflict.

Officials cited by The New York Times said his injuries included wounds to his legs. While details about the extent of those injuries remain unclear, the report suggested they may have contributed to his continued absence from public appearances.

Sources told the newspaper that concerns about his safety could also be keeping him out of sight. There are fears that any attempt by the new leader to communicate publicly could make him a direct target.

Earlier reports had already suggested that Khamenei may have been injured during the conflict. Iranian state media had previously referred to him as “janbaz,” a term used to describe someone wounded by the enemy.

Iranian president’s son says leader is ‘safe and sound’

Amid the growing speculation about the new leader’s health, Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, sought to calm concerns.

Posting on his Telegram channel Wednesday, Yousef said he had asked contacts about the reports of injuries.

“I heard news that Mr Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured. I have asked some friends who had connections. They told me that, thank God, he is safe and sound,” he wrote.

Powerful Revolutionary Guard reportedly pushed his appointment

Mojtaba Khamenei has long remained a shadowy figure within Iran’s political system despite his influence behind the scenes.

For years, he worked closely within his father’s office and was widely seen as a powerful backroom operator. However, many ordinary Iranians still know little about him.

Senior Iranian sources told the newspaper that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a decisive role in pushing his appointment after Ali Khamenei’s death.

According to those sources, the powerful military force viewed Mojtaba as someone who would strongly support their hardline policies.

The sources said the IRGC moved quickly to secure his nomination and overcame resistance from some senior political and clerical figures who had reservations about the choice. Their opposition reportedly delayed the announcement of his leadership by several hours.

Since the outbreak of the war, the IRGC has gained even greater influence in Iran’s power structure, strengthening its ability to shape key decisions within the government.

Israel warns any Iranian leader could be targeted

Meanwhile, Israel has made it clear that any leader who continues Iran’s hostile policies could face direct threats.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning last week regarding Iran’s leadership.

“Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the US and the free world and the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people, will be an unequivocal target for elimination,” Katz said.

He added that it would not matter who holds the position.

“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” Katz said.