Israel has claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was wounded in both legs on the day his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in airstrikes. Iranian state media described him as a “wounded veteran” amid the ongoing conflict.

Mojtaba has not been seen publicly since taking over as supreme leader and is reportedly sheltering in a highly secure location with limited communication. His injuries may explain his absence, though some suggest he is avoiding attention from Israel and the US.

Israel has reportedly marked Mojtaba for assassination after targeting his family and predecessor in Tehran. Former US President Donald Trump also warned Iran, threatening the new leader with “death, fire, and fury” if tensions escalate further.

Iranian officials insist Mojtaba remains alert and safe. Government sources, including Yousef Pezeshkian, son of the Iranian President, confirmed the supreme leader is “safe and sound,” despite earlier reports of his injuries during the opening day of the war.