Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on 12/3 that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been unable to appear publicly. This claim came after Tehran released his first message. Netanyahu also asserted that Israel had killed the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike campaign on 28/2.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, son of the late Ali Khamenei, was elected as the third Supreme Leader of Iran on 8/3, leading the nation amidst escalating conflict with the United States and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Since his election, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances. During his swearing-in ceremony in Tehran, Iranian officials only displayed his portrait. The US and Israel had previously openly threatened to kill anyone elected as Iran's Supreme Leader.

Iran released Mojtaba Khamenei's first message on 12/3, presented as a text document read on television, with no video or audio appearance from him. In this message, Khamenei declared Iran's intent to continue blockading the Strait of Hormuz to pressure adversaries and make the US and Israel pay for damages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a press conference in Jerusalem in 2025. *Photo: Reuters*

Rumors of Mojtaba sustaining injuries during the US and Israeli bombing campaign on 28/2, the first day of the operation, had circulated for several days. The New York Times, citing three unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Mojtaba had a "leg wound" and was "taking refuge in a heavily guarded location, with limited communication." However, Yousef Pezeshkian, an Iranian government advisor and son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, stated on 11/3 that the Supreme Leader was "safe and healthy."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel's military had "dealt strong blows" to Iran and its proxy forces, significantly weakening their capabilities. He confirmed Israel's commitment to this mission, noting Tel Aviv had targeted Iranian nuclear scientists, as it did last year. When asked if Tel Aviv had any response plans for Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Netanyahu said, "I will not issue a life insurance contract for any Iranian leader. And I will not provide precise information on what we are planning or will implement."

Netanyahu also revealed that Israel is considering a ground operation in southern Lebanon to attack the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. He urged the Lebanese government to uphold its commitment to disarm Hezbollah, warning, "If they do not do so, we will have no choice but to resolve the issue ourselves. I will not specify whether it will be a ground operation or another measure, but I can assure you that Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price."

The Middle East has been embroiled in conflict since the US and Israel launched an airstrike campaign against Iran on 28/2. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and UAVs at Israel and US bases in Arab countries. Iran also attacked critical infrastructure in Gulf countries, including oil and gas facilities, and vessels in or transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These clashes have resulted in about 2,000 deaths, primarily in Iran, impacting many regional nations and the global economy.

By Huyen Le (AFP, CNN)