Details revealed for the first time about Mojtaba Khamenei's injury in Tehran
Iranian medical and political sources have revealed new and rare details concerning the day the new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured, following the US-Israeli airstrikes that targeted sensitive sites in Iran in late February. These leaks come at a time of unprecedented military escalation in the Middle East, making the health of the Iranian leadership a matter of international concern.
Details of Mojtaba Khamenei's injury in Tehran
Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei's injuries were minor and posed no real threat to his life. Kermanpour explained that the new Supreme Leader arrived at a major hospital in Tehran on the afternoon of February 28, accompanied by several people injured in the violent attacks that struck the country. These events coincided with the outbreak of widespread military clashes in the region.
In statements carried by the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), Kermanpour indicated that the injuries were limited to superficial wounds to the face, head, and legs. The condition did not require any complex surgical intervention; the medical team simply performed a few simple stitches. Notably, his health improved rapidly, as Mojtaba Khamenei insisted on continuing his fast during the holy month of Ramadan despite being hospitalized, refusing to break his fast until sunset. Officials considered this a strong indication of his good health and resilience. He left the hospital in the early hours of March 1st, heading to an undisclosed location for security reasons.
Historical background and rise to power
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in Iranian politics and security for decades. His name is closely associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, and he has played a pivotal role in managing numerous sensitive domestic issues. For years, analysts and experts on Iranian affairs considered him the most likely successor to his father, given his strong network of connections with the military establishment and conservative clerics, which paved the way for his ascension to power under these exceptional circumstances.
Impact of the event on the regional and international landscape
These developments come after Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from public view since assuming the position of Supreme Leader following the death of his father, who was announced on the first day of the joint US-Israeli attack. This pivotal event triggered a wider war in the Middle East, presenting Tehran and its allies with major challenges. The transfer of power under these circumstances has profound implications for regional security, as Western capitals closely monitor the new leadership's approach to military operations and crisis management.
Breaking the isolation and new military directives
Over the past few months, Khamenei's continued absence has fueled widespread speculation about his health, especially after statements by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggesting the Supreme Leader had suffered a serious injury. However, Tehran has sought to dispel these rumors. This May, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced a lengthy meeting with the Supreme Leader that lasted approximately two and a half hours. Subsequently, Iranian state television reported that the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, Ali Abdullah Aliabadi, met with Mojtaba Khamenei, during which the latter issued new strategic directives for continuing military operations, thus confirming his control and direct management of the campaign.
