Mojtaba Khamenei Injured in Fatal Strike

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, sustained injuries during a February 28 attack that killed his father and six other family members, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, confirmed on March 11. The strike, which occurred on the opening day of US-led airstrikes against Iran, targeted the presidential complex in Tehran, leveling the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence.

Salarian, speaking from Nicosia, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was injured in his legs and hands, and is believed to be hospitalized. The ambassador attributed Khamenei's absence from public appearances and statements since succeeding his father on Sunday to these injuries. The attack also killed Mojtaba's wife, Zahra, and his son, Mohammad Bagher, along with other family members and top commanders present at the residence during the holy month of Ramadan.

Iranian state media previously described the new leader as a "wounded veteran of the Ramadan war" without specifying injuries. US President Donald Trump commented on Khamenei's election, calling it "an unacceptable choice." Israel has indicated it would not hesitate to target the new leader, who is perceived as having hardline views similar to his father, who held the supreme leader position for 37 years.