New Supreme Leader suffered fractured foot, face injuries on first day of Iran war
Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly sustained several injuries during the opening wave of joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, according to new reports citing Iranian officials.
Officials told The New York Times that Khamenei suffered a fractured foot, a bruise around his eye, and cuts to his face during the Feb. 28 strikes. At the time of the attack, he was sheltering in a fortified and highly secure location. Khamenei had only just been named supreme leader earlier in the week, succeeding his father.
This marks the first update from Iranian sources regarding his condition after earlier reports claimed he had been seriously wounded and possibly unconscious. Khamenei has not appeared publicly or issued any statement since the strikes. Israeli media outlets had previously reported that he suffered a leg injury when the conflict began, while additional details later surfaced about the bruising around his left eye and facial lacerations, according to CNN.
Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, told The Guardian that Khamenei was injured in the same airstrike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack also reportedly killed several members of the former leader’s family, including his daughter, a grandchild, his daughter-in-law, and his son-in-law.
Although Iranian officials insist the new leader is conscious and recovering, Salarian indicated that Khamenei’s injuries may explain why he has not addressed the public. Salarian said the injuries may make it difficult for him to deliver a speech or appear publicly at the moment.
The exact severity of Khamenei’s injuries and his current condition remain uncertain.
He was notably absent from a rally in Tehran held Monday to celebrate his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader. Thousands of supporters gathered for the event, but instead of appearing in person, Khamenei was represented by a portrait displayed on stage. State media footage showed that the image was overshadowed by a much larger portrait of his father positioned prominently at the center.
Khamenei’s rise to power has also made him a major target for the United States and Israel. President Trump previously criticized the decision to install him as Iran’s leader, calling the choice unacceptable.
President Trump has also warned that Iran’s new leadership will not remain in place long without his approval.
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