Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Struggles with Severe Injuries Following Deadly Airstrike

Tehran. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still struggling to recover from severe injuries to his face and legs. Mojtaba was caught in the same airstrike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the start of the war. 

According to Reuters, 56-year-old Mojtaba's face has been severely disfigured by the attack, and he has sustained serious injuries to one or both of his legs. Some U.S. intelligence agencies have even speculated that he may have lost a leg.

On February 28, the first day of the war initiated by the U.S. and Israel, the Supreme Leader's residence in Tehran was bombed. That attack killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989, along with Mojtaba's wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and several other family members. 

Although Mojtaba was appointed as the new Supreme Leader on March 8 following his father's death, no photos, videos, or audio of him have been released to date. Iranian state media has referred to him as a 'Janbaz' (a person severely wounded in war) but has provided no official details regarding his condition.

Despite being physically weakened, it is reported that Mojtaba remains mentally sharp and is participating in key state decisions via audio conferencing. He continues to provide instructions to senior officials regarding high-level peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, and war strategies. However, sources claim he has not been seen in public due to his facial disfigurement and inability to walk.

The Iranian administration is preparing to release a photo or video of him within the next one to two months, provided his security situation and health improve.