WASHINGTON D.C. – US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and “likely disfigured” The assertion comes amid heightened regional tensions following nearly two weeks of US and Israeli attacks on Iran
Speaking at a news briefing, Hegseth questioned Khamenei's ability to lead, noting the new leader has not been seen publicly since his selection by a clerical assembly on Sunday Khamenei’s first public comments were delivered in a written statement read by a television presenter on Thursday, which Hegseth suggested was evidence for his claim
The US claims about Mojtaba Khamenei wounded have been challenged by Iranian sources. An Iranian official reportedly stated that Khamenei was only "lightly injured" and remained in good health while running the country's affairs
In his first public statement since assuming the role, Khamenei vowed to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz shut He also called on neighbouring countries to close any US bases on their territory, warning they could risk being targeted by Iran if they failed to comply The conflicting accounts of the Iran new Supreme Leader injuries highlight the intense information war running parallel to the military conflict, with the Pete Hegseth Iran claims adding to regional uncertainty.
Mohsin Rana
