Iran's New Leader Reportedly Wounded in Attacks

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed on Friday, March 13, 2026, that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was wounded in ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth stated Khamenei "is wounded and likely disfigured," citing a written statement from Khamenei without accompanying voice or video as indirect evidence. Iran has not confirmed or denied these claims, nor provided details on Khamenei's condition.

Khamenei issued his first public statement on Thursday, March 12, following his father's assassination on February 28, the day the US and Israeli assault on Iran began. In the written remarks, read on Iranian state television, Khamenei threatened attacks on all US bases in the region if not immediately shuttered and pledged to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He has not been seen publicly since the conflict started.

Since the war's commencement, US-Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 1,444 deaths and 18,551 injuries in Iran, according to Iran's Health Ministry. Hegseth reported that over 15,000 Iranian targets, including military and nuclear infrastructure, have been struck since February 28. US President Donald Trump had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Khamenei's appointment, suggesting he might face a similar fate to his father.