US Official Says New Iran Leader Wounded After Strikes Since March 8

The US has struck over 15,000 Iranian targets since February 28th, with 13 US troops dead. This is a significant increase in conflict.
By Newsroom | World News, Middle East |

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asserted that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured" amid intensified U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting the nation. Hegseth made these claims during a press briefing, questioning Khamenei's ability to lead and highlighting his absence from public appearances since assuming power.

Hegseth stated that Khamenei has been "hiding, cowering," and lacks legitimacy. The remarks follow a written statement from Khamenei, released via state television, as his first communication since becoming supreme leader. Hegseth pointed to the lack of a video or voice message as suspicious, suggesting it indicated a weakened or incapacitated leader.

New Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured,' Hegseth says - 1

"He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy," Hegseth said, equating the leadership's actions to those of "rats."

The U.S. official indicated that U.S. forces are "decimating the radical Iranian regime's military." He further elaborated on military objectives, including defeating Iran's missile capabilities and defense industrial base. Hegseth also mentioned that over 15,000 Iranian targets have been struck since February 28th.

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Leadership Questions and Unseen Official

Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader on March 8th, following the assassination of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, eight days prior. Since ascending to the position, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public or released visual or audio statements. This absence has been a focal point for U.S. officials, including Hegseth, who suggested it signals a severe physical incapacitation.

New Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured,' Hegseth says - 2

An Iranian official had previously stated that the new leader sustained a "light injury" but was continuing to function. However, this contradicts the severity implied by Hegseth's assertions.

Context of Conflict and Casualties

The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have escalated, resulting in significant casualties among U.S. service members. At least 13 U.S. troops have died in the ongoing conflict, including six on a U.S. military refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq. Hegseth indicated that U.S. and Israeli jets continue to operate over Iranian airspace, intensifying strikes on what he described as military infrastructure.

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The statements from U.S. officials come amidst broader warnings from President Donald Trump regarding "sleeper cells" and accusations that Canada is harboring Iranian regime operatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the US Secretary of Defense say about Iran's new leader?
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and possibly disfigured. He said this happened because of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Q: Why does the US think Iran's new leader is not appearing in public?
Mojtaba Khamenei became leader on March 8th after his father died. He has not been seen or heard since then. Mr. Hegseth thinks this means he is badly hurt and cannot lead.
Q: How many Iranian targets has the US hit?
Since February 28th, the US has hit more than 15,000 targets in Iran. Mr. Hegseth said U.S. forces are destroying the Iranian military.
Q: How many US troops have died in the conflict?
Sadly, at least 13 U.S. troops have died in the fighting. This includes six who died when a U.S. military plane crashed in Iraq.
Q: What did an Iranian official say about the leader's injury?
An Iranian official said the new leader had a 'light injury' but was still working. This is different from what the US official is saying about him being wounded and disfigured.