Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirms that the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in full health and actively oversees the ongoing conflict.
Trump Raises Questions on Leader’s Status
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Mojtaba Khamenei’s survival following Israeli-U.S. strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the war’s outset. “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him,” Trump stated. He added, “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.”
Official Iranian Reassurance
Araghchi countered these claims, asserting, “The Leader of the Revolution is in complete health and is fully managing the situation.” Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father, delivered his first public statement on the war last Thursday. A state television news anchor read the message, as the leader did not appear on camera or disclose his location or health status.
Speculation on Injuries and Security
Concerns about his condition persist after an Israeli assessment indicated injuries sustained in the initial strikes, which also claimed other family members and regime figures. Sources suggest he operates from a secure, undisclosed site to avoid a potential Israeli assassination attempt.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked on Friday that Mojtaba Khamenei appears “wounded and likely disfigured.” “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why,” Hegseth said. He continued, “His father: dead; he’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run, and he lacks legitimacy.”
Vow of Retaliation
In his statement, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged revenge not only for his father and other leaders but for all Iranians killed in the conflict. “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” he declared. “The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
