Sources indicate that Iran’s new supreme leader has sustained serious and disfiguring injuries

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, is currently in recovery from significant facial and leg injuries sustained during the airstrike that claimed his father’s life at the onset of the war, according to three individuals familiar with his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.

According to all three sources, Khamenei’s face was disfigured in the attack on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran, and he sustained a significant injury to one or both legs.

The 56-year-old is, however, recuperating from his injuries and continues to be mentally astute, as reported by sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. He is participating in meetings with senior officials through audio conferencing and is involved in decision-making on significant matters, including the war and negotiations with Washington, according to two sources.

The inquiry into Khamenei’s health and its impact on his ability to manage state affairs arises at a time of unprecedented danger for Iran, coinciding with crucial peace negotiations with the United States set to commence in Islamabad on Saturday.

The accounts from those near Khamenei’s inner circle offer the most comprehensive insight into the leader’s condition over the past weeks. Reuters was unable to independently confirm their accounts.

The public remains largely in the dark about Khamenei’s whereabouts, condition, and capacity to govern, as there have been no photos, videos, or audio recordings of him released since the air attack and his subsequent appointment as his father’s successor on March 8.

The United Nations mission of Iran did not provide a response to Reuters inquiries regarding the severity of Khamenei’s injuries or the reason for his absence from any images or recordings thus far.

Khamenei sustained injuries on February 28, the inaugural day of the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel, during the assault that resulted in the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife, along with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, were among the family members who lost their lives in the strike.

No official statement has been released by Iran regarding the severity of Khamenei’s injuries. Nonetheless, a newsreader on state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term designated for individuals severely injured in battle, following his appointment as supreme leader.

The reports regarding Khamenei’s injuries align with a statement from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 13, in which he indicated that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments informed Reuters that Khamenei was thought to have lost a leg.

The CIA chose not to provide any comments regarding Khamenei’s condition. The office of the Israeli prime minister did not provide answers to the inquiries.

According to Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, it is improbable that the new and inexperienced leader will be able to exercise the same level of authority held by his father, regardless of the extent of his injuries. Although he is perceived as a symbol of continuity, Vatanka noted that it may take years for him to establish the same degree of automatic authority.

“Mojtaba will represent one perspective, but it will not be the determining factor,” he stated. He must establish himself as the authoritative, influential, dominant voice. The regime collectively needs to determine their future direction.

A source close to Khamenei’s inner circle indicated that images of the supreme leader might be released in the next month or two, and there is a possibility he could make a public appearance during that time. However, all three sources emphasized that he would only do so when his health and the security situation permitted.

‘HIS WORLD VIEW REMAINS largely UNKNOWN TO US’

In Iran’s theocratic system of governance, ultimate authority is intended to be held by the supreme leader, a respected Shi’ite Muslim cleric designated by an assembly of 88 ayatollahs. The leader supervises the elected president and directly commands parallel institutions, such as the Revolutionary Guards, which serve as a formidable political and military force.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran’s inaugural supreme leader, held unparalleled authority as the charismatic figure of the revolution and the most knowledgeable cleric of his time.

Ali Khamenei, his successor, was a cleric who commanded less reverence but had previously held the position of Iran’s president. He dedicated decades to solidifying his authority following his appointment in 1989, in part by enhancing the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.

According to senior Iranian sources who spoke to Reuters, his son Mojtaba does not hold absolute power in the same manner. The Revolutionary Guards, instrumental in guiding him to the highest position following his father’s assassination, have become the leading authority on strategic decisions throughout the war. The U.N. mission of Iran did not provide answers to inquiries regarding the authority held by the Guards and the new supreme leader.

Khamenei, a significant presence in his father’s office, had spent years wielding influence at the highest echelons of the Islamic Republic, according to officials and insiders, establishing connections with senior figures in the Guards.

Although he is generally perceived as poised to maintain his father’s stringent stance because of his connections to the Guards, there is limited understanding of his perspective, stated Vatanka at the Middle East Institute.

Khamenei’s initial communication with Iranians as supreme leader occurred on March 12, where he stated in a written message, read by a television news presenter, that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and cautioned regional countries to close U.S. bases.

His office has subsequently released several other concise written statements from him, including one on March 20, when he celebrated the Persian new year, referring to it as the “year of resistance”. Senior officials have made public statements regarding Iran’s war stance, its diplomatic approach, relations with neighbors, ceasefire negotiations, and domestic unrest. ‘WHERE IS MOJTABA?’ MEMES CIRCULATE ONLINE

Khamenei’s absence has become a prominent topic on Iranian social media and in messaging app groups, whenever the country’s unreliable internet permits, with numerous conspiracy theories circulating regarding his health and who is currently in charge of the nation.

A widely shared meme on the internet features an image of an empty chair illuminated by a spotlight, accompanied by the phrase “Where is Mojtaba?”

Nevertheless, certain government supporters, including a senior figure from the Basij militia, a volunteer paramilitary organization associated with the Revolutionary Guards, emphasized the necessity for Khamenei to maintain a low profile due to the dangers presented by ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have already decimated a significant portion of the nation’s leadership.

A lower-ranking Basij member concurred. “Why should he make a public appearance?” Why would anyone want to become a target for these criminals? In a text message, Mohammad Hosseini, hailing from the city of Qom, stated.