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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
World
Thea Felicity

Iran's New Supreme Leader 'Wounded And Likely Disfigured', Pete Hegseth Claims

Mojtaba Khamenei Pete Hegseth Iran United States Ali Khamenei Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Donald Trump
Despite injury reports placing him in a coma, new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei threatens revenge and Hormuz blockade in first statement. ​ (Credit: Firstpost / Youtube)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has made a striking claim that Iran's recently appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was seriously wounded and is 'likely disfigured' as a result of recent military strikes.

Hegseth's comments, delivered at a Pentagon briefing, pointed to the absence of any video or audio of Khamenei since taking power on 8 March 2026. According to People, he suggested that Iran's new ruler may be struggling to govern from behind the scenes.

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