Mojtaba Khamenei had to be 'pulled from the rubble' of hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time: report
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's health and public appearances have sparked speculation. US officials claim he is seriously wounded and hiding, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserts he is healthy. Khamenei's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026.
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- ✓ Mojtaba Khamenei is the third and incumbent supreme leader of Iran.
- ✓ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in air strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, 2026.
- ✓ Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
What changed
A report emerged that Mojtaba Khamenei had to be 'pulled from the rubble' of a hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time.
Live updates
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Mojtaba Khamenei's health and whereabouts uncertain
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's health and public appearances have sparked speculation. US officials claim he is seriously wounded and hiding, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserts he is healthy. Khamenei's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026.
Why it matters
The US-Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have led to ongoing conflict and uncertainty in Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei's governance from the shadows has raised concerns among the Iranian public. The situation remains volatile six months after the strikes.
What is confirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei is the third and incumbent supreme leader of Iran.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in air strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, 2026.
- Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously wounded and disfigured in US strikes.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was pulled from the rubble of a hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time.
- Meysam Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's youngest son, died in a Tehran hospital.
What to watch next
- Mojtaba Khamenei's public appearance or address with audio or video proof of life.
- Confirmation of Meysam Khamenei's death and circumstances.
- US or Iranian government statements on Mojtaba Khamenei's health and governance.
confidence 60%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.dawn.com — War returns to Iran with Israel, US strikes - DAWN.COM
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Iran’s supreme leader dead following major attack by U.S., Israel
- euro-times.com — Iranian Opposition Sources Report Death of Meysam Khamenei at ...
- www.scmp.com — Mojtaba Khamenei: Latest News and Updates | South China ...
- www.kyivpost.com — Putin and Pezeshkian Honor Khamenei, Killed in US-Israeli ...
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Iran's Khamenei Unseen Since Father's Killing
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of public view following US strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in late February. United States officials claim Mojtaba Khamenei is seriously wounded, disfigured, and hiding, pointing to a recent text-only address that lacked audio or video proof of life. Conversely, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserts that Khamenei is completely healthy. Officials state that Khamenei governs from the shadows while recovering, causing growing uncertainty among the Iranian public after six months of ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The disappearance of Iran's leadership core follows joint United States and Israel military operations that eliminated former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As the war enters its sixth month, the power structure relies on remote communication and clandestine operations to maintain authority. The conflict over Khamenei's physical condition highlights a stark information gap between Western intelligence assertions and official Iranian denials.
What is confirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since late February after joint US-Israel strikes killed his father, former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Still unconfirmed
- US officials claim Mojtaba Khamenei is likely disfigured, hiding, and seriously wounded following military strikes, and had to be pulled from the rubble of a hospital.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that Khamenei is completely healthy.
What to watch next
- Audio or video proof of life from Mojtaba Khamenei
- Direct visual confirmation of Khamenei's physical condition or public appearance
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.jpost.com — Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly meets with Ghalibaf | The ...
- www.nbcsportsboston.com — Mike Vrabel not happy with $250,000 fine being leaked to ...
- www.newsweek.com — Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Gets Honest About Looming $250k ...
- sports.yahoo.com — “Every Time I Gotta Cuss at Him”: Mike Vrabel Reveals ...
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US Claims Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Is Disfigured
United States officials claim Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely disfigured, hiding, and seriously wounded following military strikes. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that his recent address relied on a text-only statement lacking audio or video proof of life. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that Khamenei is completely healthy. Officials explain that Khamenei governs from the shadows for security while recovering from wounds, leading to growing uncertainty among the Iranian populace after six months of war.
Why it matters
The secretive leadership dynamic increases the influence of the Revolutionary Guards in strategic decision-making while Iran faces economic strain and the risk of renewed mass protests. US President Donald Trump stated he believes Mojtaba Khamenei is alive despite his injuries. To counter health rumors, Iran released archival footage of the leader that was reportedly filmed before he became Supreme Leader.
What is confirmed
- The US government claimed that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely disfigured and currently in hiding.
- US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that Khamenei's recent address was a text-only statement with no audio or video proof of life.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Khamenei is completely healthy.
- Iran released archival footage of the leader to counter health rumors, which was reportedly filmed before he became Supreme Leader.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei had to be pulled from the rubble of a hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time.
What to watch next
- Release of audio or video proof of life from Mojtaba Khamenei
- Further official statements regarding his physical condition and location
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.wionews.com — 'Scared and disfigured': US claims Iran's new supreme leader ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — MOJTABA KHAMENEI ABSENCE - The Economic Times
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US Places $10 Million Bounty on Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
The United States government has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Chosen by the Assembly of Experts to succeed his late father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba has faced conflicting accounts regarding his physical condition. Tehran emergency chief Mohammad Esmail Tavakoli confirmed that Mojtaba sustained lip, forehead, and leg injuries during a February 28 strike. Meanwhile, Iran's Health Ministry asserted he sustained only superficial wounds requiring minimal treatment, countering claims of severe injuries.
Why it matters
The transition of power to Mojtaba Khamenei confirms that hardliners remain firmly in control of Iran following the death of his father. Escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran now include a multimillion-dollar US bounty targeting the new leader directly. Discrepancies between official medical statements and emergency reports highlight ongoing uncertainty surrounding his health and public visibility.
What is confirmed
- The United States government announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification, location, or disposition of Mojtaba Khamenei.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Assembly of Experts to succeed his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as supreme leader.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei sustained severe facial and leg injuries during the initial February 28 airstrike that killed his father, and had to be pulled from the rubble of a bombed Tehran hospital after a second US strike.
- Tehran emergency chief Mohammad Esmail Tavakoli reported lip, forehead, and leg injuries to Mojtaba Khamenei from the February 28 US-Israeli strike.
- Iran's Health Ministry stated Mojtaba Khamenei suffered only superficial wounds requiring minimal treatment.
What to watch next
- Verification of Mojtaba Khamenei's physical condition and public appearances
- Any response from Tehran regarding the US bounty
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.hellenicdailynewsny.com — US Places $10 Million Bounty on New Iranian Supreme Leader ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Mojtaba Khamenei Biography | Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's ...
- www.timesnownews.com — Tehran's First Official Admission — Mojtaba Suffered Lip ...
- en.parapolitika.gr — Mojtaba Khamenei health update: Iran’s supreme leader ...
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Iran Defends Mojtaba Khamenei Silence Amid Hospital Strike Rumors
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has addressed questions regarding the prolonged public absence of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the lack of recent images or videos. Khamenei has remained out of sight following conflicting accounts about his health after a series of military strikes. While the son of the Iranian president asserts he remains safe and sound, insiders claim he sustained severe facial and leg injuries during the initial February 28 airstrike that killed his father, former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A newly surfaced cleric report suggests he narrowly survived a second US strike after being pulled from a bombed Tehran hospital.
Why it matters
The public disappearance of Mojtaba Khamenei follows a major escalation on February 28 when initial airstrikes killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The lack of verified media or proof of life deepens uncertainty surrounding the leadership hierarchy in Iran. Conflicting statements from officials and inner-circle sources complicate verification of his actual medical status.
What is confirmed
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has addressed the questions surrounding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from public view.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei had to be pulled from the rubble of a hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time.
- Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries sustained in the initial airstrike that killed his father on February 28.
- The son of the Iranian president maintains that Khamenei is safe and sound, while sources close to his inner circle report severe and disfiguring wounds.
What to watch next
- Release of official proof of life or recent images of Mojtaba Khamenei by Iranian state media
- Further statements from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the Supreme Leader's health status
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.wionews.com — Why has Iran released no proof of life of Mojtaba Khamenei ...
- nypost.com — Gabrielle Fahmy | New York Post
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Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Faces Unclear Health
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries sustained in the initial airstrike that killed his father, former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. Conflicting official accounts and limited public appearances cloud his true medical condition. While the son of the Iranian president maintains that Khamenei is safe and sound, unnamed sources close to his inner circle report he suffers from severe and disfiguring wounds. A newly reported claim from an Iranian cleric suggests Khamenei survived a second strike after being pulled from the rubble of a bombed Tehran hospital.
Why it matters
The health of the supreme leader holds significant weight for Iran's governance following a secretive selection process by the Assembly of Experts in March. Questions regarding his physical condition and whereabouts persist as military operations by the United States and Israel continue to impact Tehran.
What is confirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries suffered in the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war, according to three people close to his inner circle.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes on February 28.
- Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's Supreme Leader in March after his father's death.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei had to be pulled from the rubble of a Tehran hospital after the facility was struck during the February conflict.
- Mojtaba Khamenei is safe and sound despite reports of an injury during the war, according to the son of the Iranian president.
What to watch next
- Independent verification of the hospital rescue claim
- Direct public appearances by Mojtaba Khamenei to clarify his physical condition
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.youtube.com — Wounded, Bombed Again, Then Vanished: Mystery Behind Iran’s ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Mojtaba Khamenei News | Iran's new supreme leader injured but ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Mojtaba Khamenei Injuries | Iran's new supreme leader has ...
- mikelblog01.blogspot.com — Mojtaba Khamenei’s Reported Hospital Rescue Raises Questions ...
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Mojtaba Khamenei Survives Second Strike and Warns US Forces
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei survived a second military strike after being pulled from the rubble of a Tehran hospital. The medical center was hit during United States and Israeli operations. Khamenei was previously injured in an initial attack that killed his father, former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and dozens of top officials. Following his secretive selection as supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, Khamenei issued a direct warning to the United States. He claimed Iran emerged from months of war as a major power and threatened that the Arabian Sea will be cleared of Western forces.
Why it matters
The survival of Mojtaba Khamenei maintains the continuity of Iranian state policy under his active supervision despite severe leadership losses. Tehran uses maritime pressure, attacks, and vessel seizures as leverage against the United States in the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei's latest statements frame the conflict as a broader regional contest designed to force out US and allied military forces.
What is confirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei survived a second strike and was pulled from the rubble of a Tehran hospital.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in an initial US-Israeli attack that killed his father, former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Iranian cleric Mohsen Heydari stated that Mojtaba Khamenei survived two US-Israel strikes.
- Iran's president stated that Mojtaba Khamenei is completely healthy.
- Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the Arabian Sea will be cleared of the presence of the United States and its allies.
Still unconfirmed
- An Iranian official revealed details of Mojtaba Khamenei's secretive selection as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts.
What to watch next
- Further statements or video releases from Mojtaba Khamenei confirming his active leadership.
- Additional military developments or vessel incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
- Official responses from the United States or allied nations regarding Khamenei's regional threats.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — Mojtaba Khamenei survived second attack after being injured ...
- news.abplive.com — Mojtaba Khamenei Survived 2 US-Israel Strikes, Was 'Pulled ...
- m.rediff.com — Mojtaba Khamenei 'pulled from rubble' after US strikes
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Mojtaba Khamenei’s Big Warning To US: ‘Arabian Sea Next After Strait Of Hormuz...' - Times of India V....
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Mojtaba Khamenei Survived Hospital Bombing During US Strikes
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei survived being pulled from the rubble of a Tehran hospital following joint US and Israeli military strikes on February 28. Reports indicate he was wounded in the attacks and quietly selected as supreme leader amid the ongoing conflict. The February 28 bombardment also destroyed the compound of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing the 86-year-old leader alongside dozens of top officials. Tensions remain elevated across the Middle East as Iranian leadership maintains that state policy continues to operate under his active supervision.
Why it matters
The early-war strikes targeted three different hospitals in Tehran alongside the compound of the previous supreme leader. The escalation followed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial February 28 attacks. Iranian leadership maintains that state policy stays directed under Mojtaba Khamenei's supervision.
What is confirmed
- Joint US and Israeli strikes hit Tehran on February 28.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound was obliterated in the strikes, killing the 86-year-old supreme leader and dozens of top leaders.
- Three different hospitals in Tehran were bombed on February 28.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei was rushed to a Tehran hospital and pulled from the rubble after the medical center was bombed.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in strikes and quietly chosen as Iran's supreme leader amid deadly attacks.
What to watch next
- Official health updates or public appearances by Mojtaba Khamenei
- Further evidence regarding the February 28 hospital strikes in Tehran
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.livemint.com — US-Iran war: Mojtaba Khamenei 'pulled from rubble' after strikes — New claim after Trump says Supreme l....
- gulfnews.com — Mojtaba Khamenei Pulled From Rubble After Tehran Hospital ...
- nypost.com — Mojtaba Khamenei had to be 'pulled from the rubble' of ...
- www.hindustantimes.com — Mojtaba Khamenei 'pulled from rubble' after US strikes nearly ...
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Mojtaba Khamenei ‘pulled from rubble’ after US-Israeli ...
- www.rediff.com — Mojtaba Khamenei 'pulled from rubble' after US strikes: Report
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Mojtaba Khamenei Pulled From Hospital Rubble After Strikes
Mojtaba Khamenei survived being pulled from hospital rubble following US and Israeli strikes that nearly killed him a second time. Reports indicate he was injured during the Feb 28 attack in Iran and remained initially unaware that he had been selected as Supreme Leader, discovering his new role via television broadcasts. Despite conflicting accounts of earlier injuries, Iranian leadership maintains that state policy remains directed actively under his supervision.
Why it matters
The recent military strikes targeting medical facilities in Iran have escalated tensions surrounding the nation's leadership succession. Reports of injuries sustained by Mojtaba Khamenei highlight the severity of the operational environment during the conflict. Meanwhile, public statements from government officials attempt to project continuity at the highest levels of state governance.
What is confirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei was pulled from hospital rubble following a second US-Israel attack on February 28.
- Cleric Heidari confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured and pulled from rubble prior to the broader Iran war.
- Mojtaba Khamenei received 50 of the 59 votes cast to become Iran's Supreme Leader.
Still unconfirmed
- Mojtaba Khamenei is healthy and actively directing state policy according to recent statements.
What to watch next
- Official health bulletins from Iranian state media regarding Mojtaba Khamenei
- Further independent verification of hospital damage and casualty figures from the February 28 strikes
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (19)
- New York Post — Mojtaba Khamenei had to be 'pulled from the rubble' of hospital after US strikes nearly killed him a second time: report
- Pakistan Today — Iran’s Reformists and the 2024 UN General Assembly
- Palestine Chronicle — 50 Votes in a Secret Room: How Iran Chose Its New Supreme Leader
- NDTV Profit — Feb 28 Iran Attack: Mojtaba Khamenei Was Pulled From Rubble After Hospital Bombing, Says Cleric
- The Times of Israel — From Revolution to Succession: New Khamenei and IR
- Inshorts — Mojtaba Khamenei had no idea about being named as Iran's Supreme Leader, saw news on TV | Mojtaba received 50 of the 59 votes cast | Inshorts
- Rediff — Mojtaba Khamenei 'pulled from rubble' after US strikes: Report
- The Jerusalem Post — Heidari: Mojtaba Khamenei was injured before Iran war, pulled from rubble
- Bhaskar English — 'Mojtaba was found in hospital rubble after second US-Israel attack': Report claims he was unaware of becom...
- WION — Mojtaba Khamenei survived second attack after being injured in first US-Israel strike: Report
- Inshorts — Mojtaba Khamenei had no idea about being named as Iran's Supreme Leader, saw news on TV
- ایرانوایر — Pezeshkian Tells Fox News Mojtaba Khamenei Is Healthy and Directing State Policy
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