Iran’s New Supreme Leader Injured in Israeli Strikes, Intelligence Sources Say

Iran's recently named Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suffered injuries during Israeli airstrikes on February 28 and hasn't been seen publicly since, according to Israeli intelligence officials. Three Iranian sources told the New York Times that Khamenei sustained a leg wound during the first day of Israeli operations, while his parents and wife were reportedly killed in the same attacks.

Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suffered injuries during Israeli airstrikes and has remained out of public view since the attacks, according to a senior Israeli intelligence official speaking to Reuters.

According to three Iranian sources who spoke with the New York Times, high-ranking officials reported that Khamenei received a leg wound on February 28 during the initial day of Israeli military operations. The same sources indicated that during these attacks, his parents – including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – and his wife were killed.

However, Khamenei’s son has stated that the new leader remains “safe and sound.”

The Assembly of Experts, Iran’s religious council tasked with selecting the nation’s highest authority, officially chose Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s supreme leader on Sunday following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.

Supporters organized massive rallies throughout Iran on Monday, demonstrating loyalty to their newly appointed leader just one day after his selection was made public. Multiple cities hosted simultaneous ceremonies.

In the capital city of Tehran, demonstrators assembled at Enghelab Square, displaying Iranian flags and holding photographs of both Mojtaba Khamenei and his deceased father, the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Protesters voiced support for their new leader while denouncing both the United States and Israel.

Following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death last week, Israeli forces issued a warning.

The Israel Defense Forces published a message in Farsi on the social media platform X, cautioning that those participating in the successor selection process could become targets.

“We warn all those who intend to participate in the successor selection meeting that we will not hesitate to target you. This is a warning!” the IDF declared in their post.

This warning came as Iran’s religious leadership body was reportedly preparing to finalize their choice for the country’s next supreme leader.