Pentagon says Iran's new supreme leader 'wounded' amid ongoing speculation over his health

US SECRETARY OF Defence Pete Hegseth said Friday that he believes Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded.

“We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth told a press conference.

Khamenei, 56, issued a written statement yesterday but has remained in hiding since taking over from his father Ali Khamenei, who was killed in bombing at the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on 28 February.

Iranian officials have confirmed the new leader is wounded but have given no further detail.

Khamenei was reportedly wounded in the strike that killed his father, as well as five other members of his family. His message yesterday calling for vengeance was read by an anchor on state television.

Khamenei’s absence from the public has fuelled speculation that the new Ayatollah may be in serious condition following the strikes or even deceased.

Other Iranian leaders have made public appearances. including today when top officials attended a pro-government rally to mark Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan.

Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was at the Tehran rally, as were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the head of the judiciary.

Advertisement

However, the former Ayatollah was also known to avoid public functions during war time.

Reuters reported that during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel last June, Khamenei issued pre-taped messages and avoided public appearances for apparent security reasons and it was reported he was in a “secure location” following the outbreak of the war.

He made his first public appearance after the war on 5 July 2025 for a religious event.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that Khamenei “can’t show his face in public”, but didn’t mention his health.

“We eliminated the old tyrant, and the new tyrant, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, can’t show his face in public,” Netanyahu told a televised press conference.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Prime Time last night, Iranian ambassador to Ireland Eshagh Al Habib, said it is up to Iran’s officials to decide when Khamenei can appear publicly.

“We have been under attack, now it’s 12 days and we are in a very difficult situation. This is the preference of our sovereignty and our officials to decide where and when our official can appear publicly,” he said.

The ambassador said he doesn’t “have the exact information about [his] injuries”.

“What is important is the message of the new leader that firmly defended our national sovereignty,” he added.

With additional reporting from AFP.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal