Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was seriously wounded in the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israeli strike and is still being treated, Reuters reported, citing Iranian officials and people close to him.
The attack killed several senior Iranian officials, including his father, Ali Khamenei, according to Reuters. Other members of the family were also reported killed. Mojtaba Khamenei was selected as supreme leader 10 days later, the report said.
Reuters, citing three people close to him, said Khamenei suffered major injuries to his face and leg. The report said the damage to his face was severe.
Despite the severity of the injuries, Reuters said Khamenei remains mentally fit and has taken part in meetings with senior officials by audio conference. The report said he has continued to play a role in wartime decisions and in issues tied to talks with the United States.
Iran has not given a full public account of his condition. Reuters said state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term used for someone badly wounded in war.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also said Khamenei was seriously hurt. Reuters said some intelligence sources have gone further in describing the injuries, but those claims have not been officially confirmed.
Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking the top post. No audio or video message from him has been released, even as fighting continued and U.S.-Iran talks moved closer in Pakistan.
Reuters said people familiar with the matter expect new images of Khamenei, or a public appearance, within the next month or two if his health and security situation allow it.
The report said Ali Larijani, then secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, first took charge of state affairs after Khamenei was wounded. After Larijani was later killed, Reuters said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf became the most powerful active figure in Iran’s leadership.
A senior Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Saturday ahead of expected U.S.-Iran talks.
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