Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei sustained severe facial disfigurement and significant leg injuries in the February 28 airstrike that killed his father, three sources close to his inner circle revealed to Reuters.
The 56-year-old leader's face was disfigured in the attack on the supreme leader's compound in central Tehran, with injuries to one or both legs that may have resulted in amputation, according to the sources who requested anonymity. Despite his physical condition, Khamenei remains mentally sharp and actively participates in government decision-making through audio conferences with senior officials.
The revelations emerge as Iran faces what sources describe as its gravest peril in decades, with high-stakes peace negotiations between Iran and the United States opening in Islamabad. Khamenei's ability to govern effectively has become a critical question as the country navigates both ongoing conflict and diplomatic talks.
No photographs, videos, or audio recordings of Khamenei have been released since the attack and his subsequent appointment as supreme leader on March 8. His whereabouts and condition have remained largely mysterious to the Iranian public, fueling speculation about his capacity to lead during this crucial period.
The February 28 strike, launched on the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989. The attack also claimed the lives of Mojtaba Khamenei's wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, devastating the supreme leader's family circle.
Focuses on the intelligence aspects and strategic implications of Khamenei's condition for regional security. Emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding Iran's leadership capacity during ongoing conflicts, reflecting Israel's interest in understanding Iranian decision-making capabilities.