Iran’s foreign minister has provided an update on the well-being of the new Supreme Leader following statements made by Donald Trump suggesting his possible demise.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father’s death in Israeli-US attacks at the conflict’s onset, has not been publicly seen since. Despite issuing his first war-related statement last Thursday, it was delivered by a news anchor without Mojtaba appearing on camera or disclosing his condition or whereabouts.
Contrary to Trump’s speculations, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the Supreme Leader is in good health and actively overseeing the situation.
Speculation regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health intensified after an Israeli assessment suggested he was injured during the conflict’s initial strikes, which also claimed the lives of other family members, including his father. Reports indicate that if alive, he is likely in a secure undisclosed location to evade potential threats from Israel.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded and possibly disfigured, questioning the use of a written statement instead of a public appearance. He implied that Mojtaba may be fearful, injured, evading capture, and lacking legitimacy.
In his statement relayed by a state television news anchor, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed retribution not only for the deaths of his father and other officials at the hands of the US and Israel but for every Iranian casualty in the conflict.
He pledged to continue targeting Gulf Arab nations and leverage control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz against the US and Israel. Mojtaba urged Gulf Arabs to expel US military bases, dismissing American assurances as deceitful.
Additionally, he hinted at potential unconventional tactics against the enemy if the conflict persists, without providing specific details. Iran has been linked to past attacks on US, Israeli, and Jewish targets worldwide.