Iran has addressed growing speculation over the condition of its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since reportedly succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death in a US-Israel strike on February 28.
On Monday (May 25), an official from Iran’s Ministry of Health acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the same attack on Tehran that killed his father. However, the official stressed that the injuries were “superficial” and not life-threatening.
According to AFP, this is the first time an Iranian government representative has provided any detailed information about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition since he assumed the role of Supreme Leader.
The official did not elaborate further on the nature of the “superficial injuries,” leaving questions unanswered about the extent of harm he may have sustained during the strike.
In medical terms, superficial injuries typically refer to wounds affecting only the outer layers of the skin and are generally not considered life-threatening or associated with significant internal damage.
The statement has intensified scrutiny over the whereabouts and health of the 56-year-old leader, who has not made any public appearances since his reported appointment on March 8. Since then, Mojtaba Khamenei has only issued written statements, fueling speculation about his physical condition and his ability to fully assume leadership responsibilities.
Concerns over his health were further amplified by remarks from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in March, who said Mojtaba Khamenei was believed to be “alive, injured, and disfigured” following the strike.
US intelligence assessments have also reportedly suggested that he may have been critically wounded, further deepening uncertainty within diplomatic and security circles about Iran’s current command structure.
The lack of public visibility has led to increased questions over who is effectively exercising ultimate authority in Iran, particularly as tensions remain high amid ongoing conflict with the United States.
Despite the uncertainty, Iranian officials have continued to maintain that the country’s leadership structure remains stable, though they have not provided further clarity on Mojtaba Khamenei’s role or day-to-day involvement in decision-making.
The situation has become a focal point of regional attention, as analysts and governments monitor potential shifts in Iran’s internal power dynamics during a period of heightened geopolitical instability.
For now, the official confirmation of only “superficial injuries” has done little to ease speculation, with major questions still surrounding the Supreme Leader’s health, visibility, and actual control over state affairs.
