'Face Disfigured, Legs Damaged': Why Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Did Not Make Any Public Appearance

As controversies emerge regarding the whereabouts of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, recent reports suggest that the Islamic Republic's representative suffered from serious injuries during the beginning of the war.

According to a Reuters report, citing three of his close associates, they say that he is still recovering from the injuries sustained during the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei.

The sources said that Khamenei suffered multiple injuries in the combined attack of the US and Israel. He sustained several injuries on his face, which resulted in disfiguration of his facial structure. Additionally, he was wounded in one or both of his legs in the attack.

You May Also Like To Watch- 

Despite these injuries, the newly risen Iranian leader is said to be mentally fit and has been actively involved in decision-making. As per the latest reports, Mojtaba would be attending high-level meetings through the audio conferencing. The Supreme Leader will be actively participating in discussing key issues, involving war and negotiations with the Donald Trump-led government.

ALSO READ: Netizens Debate Why Asim Munir Wore Suit To Welcome JD Vance But Military Uniform To Receive Iran Delegation; See Reactions

Since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei has not made any public appearances. Additionally, the supreme leader did not release any images, videos, or audio recordings after his death. Inquiries concerning his absence or condition have not received a response from Iran's UN delegation. Also, Tehran has not formally confirmed the severity of his injuries. But a newsreader on state television called him a "janbaz," a phrase used to describe those who had suffered severe injuries during combat.

The reported injuries match remarks made by Pete Hegseth, who said in March that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured." A source familiar with US intelligence assessments told Reuters that he may have lost a leg, though this has not been independently verified. The CIA refused to comment, and Israel’s prime minister’s office did not respond.

Absence Fueled Speculations

The absence of Mojtaba raised various speculations on Iran's social media. Rumours and conspiracy theories began blowing up, making several narratives about his disappearance. One viral image shows an empty chair with the caption: “Where is Mojtaba?"

ALSO READ: Is AI Reliable? Researcher Publishes Paper On Fake Eye Disease; ChatGPT, Perplexity Pick It Up, Claiming It's Real

Some critics say that, given the continued strikes by the US and Israel, it is imperative to remain out of the public eye for security concerns. According to sources, depending on his recuperation and the security circumstances, pictures or a public appearance might occur in one or two months.