Reuters: Mojtaba Khamenei continues to lead Iran despite serious injuries

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still in recovery after sustaining serious injuries to his face and legs during an airstrike that killed his father at the start of the conflict and remains at the helm of the country, according to three individuals familiar with his inner circle speaking to Reuters.

The strike on the leadership compound in central Tehran left him with visible facial trauma and significant damage to one or both lower limbs, the sources said. Despite the severity of the injuries, they added that he is continuing to recover and remains cognitively alert.

Despite his injuries, the 56-year-old is reportedly recovering and remains cognitively sound, according to individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. They said he continues to join meetings with senior officials through audio links and remains involved in key decisions, including those related to the war and talks with Washington.

The question of whether his condition permits full leadership comes at a critical moment for Iran, as sensitive negotiations with the United States are reportedly set to begin in Islamabad on April 11.

His physical condition and exact whereabouts remain largely undisclosed to the public, with no official images, audio, or video released since the reported strike and his subsequent emergence as successor on March 8. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the accounts provided by the sources.

Tehran has offered no detailed official clarification regarding his injuries. However, Iranian state television reportedly referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term used for those severely wounded in conflict, following his appointment.

The descriptions provided by insiders broadly align with remarks made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 13, who said he had been “wounded and likely disfigured.”

One source close to the leadership circle suggested that public imagery of the new leader could be released within the next one to two months, and that a public appearance is possible, depending on medical recovery and security considerations.

The strike that injured him occurred on February 28, the opening day of the war reportedly initiated by the United States and Israel, and also resulted in the death of his father and predecessor Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. His wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law were also among those killed in the attack.

Earlier reporting by The Times, citing American and Israeli sources, claimed he was in a coma and receiving treatment in the city of Qom, adding that he was unable to exercise authority or participate in governing decisions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada