Iran confirms new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei injuredMojtaba Khamenei injured amid US-Israeli war
Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after his assassination on February 28, issued his first public statement Thursday via state media, fueling speculation about his health. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed Friday that he sustained injuries in the same US-Israeli strike but is 'well,' as the conflict enters its third week with over 1,300 Iranian deaths reported. US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claim he is severely wounded and likely disfigured, highlighting disarray in Iranian leadership during the escalating war that has closed the Strait of Hormuz and spiked global oil prices.
Iranian Official Perspective
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated Mojtaba Khamenei is injured but well, condemning US-Israeli attacks that killed 1,300. He denied hostility toward neighbors and urged European mediation. The leader's written statement vows to block the Strait of Hormuz and open other fronts.
US Perspective
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the new leader is wounded, likely disfigured, and lacking legitimacy after issuing a weak written statement. President Trump described him as damaged but probably alive. US forces aim to destroy Iran's military capabilities amid the conflict.
- Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, long groomed as successor to his father Ali.
- Strait of Hormuz handles 20% of world's oil transit.
- Pete Hegseth rose from Fox News host to US Defense Secretary.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
