Health Update on Iran’s Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, is still recovering from severe injuries he sustained during an airstrike that killed his father early in the conflict, according to three individuals with close ties to him.
These sources reveal that Khamenei is dealing with a disfigured face and significant injuries to one or both legs from the attack on his residence in central Tehran.
At 56, he remains mentally sharp, though he is on the mend. These comments come from individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Two of the sources indicated that Khamenei is engaging in meetings via conference calls and is involved in key decisions, particularly regarding ongoing negotiations with the U.S. and matters of war.
The concern surrounding Khamenei’s health raises questions about his ability to govern during a challenging period for Iran, particularly with critical peace talks with the U.S. scheduled to begin in Islamabad soon.
Information from those close to Khamenei provides the most detailed account of his status in recent weeks, although Reuters has not independently verified this information.
His current location, physical condition, and governing capability remain largely unclear. Since the airstrikes, no photographs, videos, or audio recordings of Khamenei have been publicly released since he was appointed to replace his father on March 8.
Despite inquiries, Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not responded regarding the specifics of Khamenei’s injuries or the lack of public appearances.
Khamenei was injured during the attack that took his father’s life, who had been in power since 1989, on February 28, the very first day of the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel.
In addition to the supreme leader, several family members, including his wife and brother-in-law, were also killed in the attack.
No official statements have clarified the extent of Khamenei’s injuries; however, a news anchor on state television referred to him as a “jambaz,” a term denoting serious wartime injuries, after his leadership appointment.
This aligns with a statement made on March 13 by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who noted that Khamenei was “injured and possibly disfigured.”
A knowledgeable individual regarding U.S. intelligence assessments mentioned that Khamenei is believed to have possibly lost a leg. The CIA has chosen not to comment, while the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office remained silent on inquiries.
Despite being viewed as a figure of continuity, Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that Khamenei may struggle to wield the same authority as his predecessor, given his inexperience.
“Mr. Mojtaba will be a voice, but likely not the decisive one,” Vatanka explained, emphasizing that he needs to establish himself as a strong and reliable leader capable of making important decisions.
One aide mentioned that an image of the supreme leader might be shared in a month or two, with the possibility of a public appearance—contingent on Khamenei’s health and security considerations.
