Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from severe and disfiguring wounds sustained in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike, according to sources, raising fresh concerns over his ability to lead the country during wartime.
Sources wishing to remain anonymous told Reuters that Khamenei suffered serious injuries to his face and legs in the strike that killed his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the start of the current conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel. Some reports suggest the injuries may have been so severe that he could have lost a limb, although this has not been confirmed.
Despite his condition, sources say the 56-year-old leader remains mentally alert and continues to take part in high-level decision-making, reportedly through remote communication. However, his prolonged absence from public view and the lack of verified images or recordings have fuelled speculation both within Iran and internationally about his actual state of health and authority.
The uncertainty surrounding his condition comes as Iran faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including ongoing military confrontation and high-stakes negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, Pakistan.
