Iran's New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Superficially Wounded but Continues Duties, Reuters Reports

An Iranian official told Reuters that Iran's newly appointed leader Mojtaba Khamenei sustained superficial wounds but continues to carry out his responsibilities.

Reuters reported on March 11 that Iranian state media referred to Khamenei as a "war casualty," which fueled speculation about his condition. Rumors have circulated that he was injured during recent attacks by Israel and the United States.

Khamenei has not appeared in public or issued any statements since his selection as leader by the Assembly of Experts on Sunday. He is known as a figure close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and emerged as the leading candidate after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the first wave of strikes on February 28.

Those strikes targeted several military and nuclear-related facilities across Iran amid escalating tensions with regional adversaries. The death of Ali Khamenei marked a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, prompting a swift leadership transition.

Iranian state media also reported that Khamenei's mother, sister and wife were killed in the initial strikes.