Tehran: Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly wounded and likely disfigured, raising questions about his ability to lead following nearly two weeks of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Khamenei has not made a public appearance since his selection by a clerical assembly, sparking further speculation about his condition.

According to France24.com, Khamenei's first comments since being appointed were delivered through a televised statement read by a presenter, in which he vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and urged neighboring countries to shut down US bases or face retaliation from Iran. An Iranian official indicated that Khamenei was lightly injured but continued to fulfill his duties, despite state television describing him as "war-."

Hegseth, addressing a briefing, expressed skepticism over Khamenei's leadership, stating, "We know the new so-called not so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement." Hegseth questioned the absence of visual or audio evidence, suggesting, "Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father - dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy."