Kamal Ghorui
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe and disfiguring injuries sustained in the airstrike that killed his father at the outset of the ongoing war, according to multiple accounts, even as conflicting reports continue to cast doubt over his condition and ability to govern.Three individuals familiar with his inner circle told Reuters that the 56-year-old cleric suffered significant facial injuries that left him disfigured, along with serious wounds to one or both legs, during the February 28 strike on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran. The attack also killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, as well as several members of Mojtaba’s family, including his wife and close relatives.Despite the extent of his injuries, the sources said Mojtaba Khamenei remains mentally alert and is continuing to participate in state affairs. He is said to be attending high-level meetings via audio conferencing and is involved in key decisions, including the war effort and sensitive negotiations with Washington. However, Reuters noted it could not independently verify these claims.The lack of any visual or audio appearance by Khamenei since the strike has deepened uncertainty. No verified images, videos or direct recordings of him have been released since he was appointed supreme leader on March 8, shortly after his father’s death. Earlier reports had painted a far grimmer picture. A diplomatic memo cited by Western media, drawing on US and Israeli intelligence assessments, claimed Khamenei was in a “severe” condition and possibly unable to take part in decision-making. Some accounts suggested he had been moved to the religious city of Qom for urgent treatment, while opposition-linked sources went further, alleging he had fallen into a coma. These claims remain unverified, but they have intensified speculation over who is effectively running Iran at a critical moment.The uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s health comes as Iran enters a decisive phase of the conflict. High-stakes talks between Iranian and US officials have begun in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan, aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire and exploring a longer-term settlement. Donald Trump, who is leading the American side politically, has indicated he is engaging with other Iranian officials rather than the supreme leader directly, further fuelling questions about the chain of command in Tehran.
