Iran’s foreign minister has provided an update on the well-being of the new Supreme Leader following comments from Donald Trump suggesting his possible demise.
Mojtaba Khamenei has taken over from his late father, who was killed in strikes believed to be orchestrated by Israel and the US at the onset of the conflict. However, there have been no public appearances by Mojtaba Khamenei since assuming leadership.
Although Mojtaba Khamenei released a statement regarding the ongoing war last Thursday, he did not make a live appearance. Instead, his message was delivered by a news presenter without disclosing his current status or whereabouts.
Contrary to Trump’s speculations, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has affirmed that the Supreme Leader is in good health and actively overseeing the situation.
Questions surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health have triggered discussions, with reports from Israel suggesting he may have sustained injuries during the initial phase of the conflict, leading to the deaths of several family members, including his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. If alive, he is likely being kept hidden in a secure location to evade potential threats from Israel.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei is likely wounded and disfigured, given the absence of live appearances and a reliance on written statements. Hegseth implied that Mojtaba Khamenei may be fearful, injured, and lacking credibility due to his circumstances.
In his televised statement delivered by a news anchor, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to seek vengeance for the deaths of not only his father and other leaders but also every Iranian casualty in the conflict. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to avenging the blood of fallen compatriots.
Additionally, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to continue targeting Gulf Arab nations and leverage the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip against the US and Israel. He urged Gulf Arab states to expel US military bases, dismissing American assurances of protection as deceitful.
Furthermore, he hinted at potential unconventional tactics against the enemy if hostilities persist, without providing specific details. Past incidents have linked Iran to attacks on US, Israeli, and Jewish interests globally.