US airstrikes left Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘disfigured, severely wounded’: Reports

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, is still recovering from serious injuries sustained in an airstrike during the US-Israel-Iran war that killed his father, according to three people close to his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.

The sources said the strike on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran left Khamenei with significant facial disfigurement and serious injuries to one or both legs.

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Health concerns amid high-stakes diplomacy

Questions over Khamenei’s ability to govern come at a critical time, as Iran prepares for sensitive negotiations with the United States. Talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad, adding urgency to clarity around the country’s leadership.

Khamenei has not been seen in public since the attack or since his appointment on March 8 following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. No official images, videos, or audio recordings of him have been released, fuelling speculation about his condition.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to Reuters queries regarding his health or absence from public view. Also, Reuters said it could not independently verify the details provided by the sources.

Leader remains active despite injuries

Despite the extent of his injuries, the 56-year-old is said to be mentally alert and involved in key state matters. Two of the sources told Reuters he is participating in high-level meetings through audio conferencing and remains engaged in decisions related to the ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts with the United States.

US assessment and intelligence inputs

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Khamenei had been wounded and was “likely disfigured.” A source familiar with US intelligence assessments told Reuters that he was believed to have lost a leg. The CIA declined to comment.

Strike that reshaped Iran’s leadership

Khamenei was wounded on February 28, the first day of the conflict involving the United States and Israel. The attack killed his father, who had led Iran since 1989, along with several family members, including Khamenei’s wife and in-laws.

While Iranian authorities have not issued a formal statement on his injuries, state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term used for those seriously wounded in war — following his appointment.