Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly in good health and staying in a “safe place”, despite earlier reports that he had been injured during recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes, according to the country's president.
Speaking to ISNA, President Youssef Pezeshkian said he had confirmed with sources close to Khamenei that the 56-year-old was “doing well and there is no problem”, addressing widespread speculation over his condition since his appointment as the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed power following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on Tehran’s leadership compound on 28 February. The strike also claimed the lives of Khamenei’s mother, wife and son, as well as several senior defence officials.
Since his appointment by the Assembly of Experts, Khamenei has remained largely out of public view.
No images or direct statements have been released, although state media have referred to him as a “wounded veteran of the Ramadan war”. Official posters have also depicted him symbolically receiving the national flag from his late father.
According to anonymous Iranian officials cited by the New York Times, Khamenei sustained injuries, including to his legs, during the initial airstrike. He is reportedly sheltering in a highly secure location with limited communications.
Israeli defence officials also reportedly believe he was injured in the attack.
Analysts warn that the new supreme leader is likely to remain hidden for security reasons.
Emile Hokayem, Director of Regional Security and Senior Fellow for Middle East Security, said Khamenei is expected “to sit in a bunker for a very long time” due to the high risk of assassination, noting that killing him early would likely be an Israeli priority.
Hokayem added that Khamenei may delegate day-to-day governance to Ali Larijani and the war effort to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Despite maintaining a low public profile, Khamenei has long been regarded as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), overseeing security and military affairs under his father.
His ascent has been met with both support and opposition. Pro-government supporters have rallied in Tehran displaying his image and pledging allegiance, while some voices in the capital have chanted anti-Khamenei slogans.
Khamenei has also received pledges of loyalty from Tehran-backed allies in the region, including the Houthi rebels and Hezbollah, as well as public support from Vladimir Putin.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Khamenei’s appointment would be “unacceptable” and that he would need Washington’s approval, although he did not specify any planned action.
Israel has reportedly prioritised Khamenei as a potential target.
The U.S. military began a blockade of Iran's ports on Monday, President Donald Trump said, and Tehran threaten...
A now-deleted artificial intelligence (AI) generated image by the U.S. President has sparked immense backlash across the political divide. It ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are th...
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to join a U.S.-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, distancing Britain from military escalation after f...
Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States will meet later in Washington to discuss a ceasefire, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubi...
The U.S. military began a blockade of Iran's ports on Monday, President Donald Trump said, and Tehran threatened to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours' ports after talks in Islamabad on ending the war broke down at the weekend.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to join a U.S.-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, distancing Britain from military escalation after failed U.S.-Iran talks at the weekend, warning involvement could worsen regional tensions.
Iran's ports were blocked by the U.S. military on Monday (13 April), President Donald Trump confirmed. Tehran has threatened to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours' ports and a U.S. official said there was continued engagement with Iran, and forward motion on trying to get to an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian ships approaching ports in the Strait of Hormuz would be "immediately eliminated" on Monday, as the U.S. started its blockade.
Israel has reprimanded Spain’s most senior diplomat in Tel Aviv after a giant effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blown up in a Spanish town.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian ships approaching ports in the Strait of Hormuz would be "immediately eliminated" on Monday, as the U.S. started its blockade.
Nine suspects were arrested on Saturday (11 April) in connection with a terror attack targeting a police post in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district.
Millions of Orthodox Christians across the globe celebrated Easter, known as Holy Pascha, on Sunday (12 April) with midnight liturgies, candlelight processions and deeply rooted local traditions reflecting centuries of faith.
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a 32-hour ceasefire introduced to mark Orthodox Easter on Saturday (11 April). Russian officials said Ukrainian drones attacked targets in the Kursk and Belgorod border regions, injuring five people.
An Indian healthcare provider plans to invest $50 million in diagnostic and pharmaceutical projects in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region, aiming to expand access to advanced medical services between 2026 and 2028.
Nine suspects have been formally arrested over last week’s gun attack near Israel’s consulate in Istanbul, judicial officials have said. The assault left one attacker dead and two Turkish police officers lightly wounded.
Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society representatives have convened for a new round of dialogue under the ‘Peace Bridge’ initiative, as both sides seek to sustain engagement ahead of key political developments in the region.
The reopening of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Iran reflects the “special relationship” between the two countries, a regional expert has said.
Cement maker Lafarge was found guilty by a French court on Monday (13 April) of paying millions to jihadist groups, including ISIS, to keep a plant running during the Syrian civil war.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment