"I heard reports that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured. I asked some friends who were aware of the situation. They confirmed he is safe and healthy, by the grace of God", Yousef Pezeshkian, an Iranian government advisor and son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, posted on Telegram on 11/3.

Iranian state television previously referred to Mojtaba as Jaanbaz (war veteran) during the Ramadan war, referring to the US-Israel operation, but did not specify the extent of his injuries.

Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, in 10/2024. *Photo: AFP*

The New York Times reported on 11/3, citing three unnamed Iranian officials, that Mojtaba sustained injuries, including a leg wound, on 28/2, the first day of the US-Israel operation. They added that he remains conscious and is "sheltering in a heavily guarded location, with limited contact".

Mojtaba, 56, was elected supreme leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts on 8/3, succeeding his late father Ali Khamenei. He holds significant influence in Iran and maintains close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij volunteer militia.

He is considered a conservative, and his appointment indicates the continued dominance of hardliners in Iran's top leadership. The IRGC has pledged "absolute obedience and sacrifice to carry out the sacred commands" of the new supreme leader.

Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since becoming the country's most powerful figure. The United States and Israel had previously threatened to assassinate anyone elected to this position.

By Ngoc Anh (Sources: AFP, Times of Israel, AP)