Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured" - Axios

Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"

<p>Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new supreme leader, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/mojtaba-khamenei-iran-supreme-leader" target="_blank">Mojtaba Khamenei</a>, is "wounded and likely disfigured."</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Hegseth's claim was the first official statement by the Trump administration about Khamenei's health since he was named the country's leader.</p><hr><ul><li>"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes:</strong> President Trump told G7 leaders in a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Khamenei "is not in good shape," according to a source with knowledge of the call.</p><ul><li>"Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender," <a href="https://www.axios.c...

Iran's new supreme leader 'likely disfigured', US defence chief says

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded and "likely disfigured", casting doubt on his ability to lead after nearly two weeks of conflict.

Iran's new supreme leader injured in strikes which killed his father

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the US-Israeli airstrikes which killed his father.

U.S. intel shows Iran's late leader was wary of son in power, sources say

U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.

U.S. intelligence shows Iran's late supreme leader was wary of his son taking power, sources say - CBS News

Iran's soccer team cannot participate in the FIFA World Cup, Iranian minister says

Iran is set to play three games in the U.S. this June. But amid the U.S.-Israel military campaign that has killed Iran's supreme leader, Iran's sports minister said the team would pull out.