Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement Monday affirming the continuation of appointments made by his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as questions persist regarding his health and public appearances since assuming the role. The statement, carried by Iranian state media, directed those previously appointed to government positions to “continue to carry on with their work.”
First Statement Since Taking Office
Khamenei also appointed General Mohsen Rezaei, the former chief of the Revolutionary Guards, as a military adviser, according to the Mehr news agency. This marks the second statement released in his name since he replaced his father, who was killed in a recent wave of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The previous statement, issued last week, vowed to “avenge the blood” of Iranians killed in the strikes. State TV did not explain why that statement was read by a presenter instead of being delivered via video or audio.
Concerns Over Leader’s Health
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Monday that Khamenei’s current condition is unclear, stating, “We don’t know… if he’s dead or not.” Trump also indicated reports suggest Khamenei may be “badly disfigured,” possibly having lost a leg, or potentially deceased, adding, “nobody’s saying he’s 100 percent healthy.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Sunday that Khamenei “is in excellent health” and remains “in control of the situation, and present at his post.” However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted two days prior that Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured.”
Iranian state media reported that Khamenei was wounded in the February 28 Israeli strike that resulted in the deaths of his father, wife, son, and brother-in-law.
Leaked Audio Details Airstrike
Leaked audio published Monday by The Telegraph suggests Khamenei narrowly survived the airstrike. The recording purportedly features Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in the office of Ali Khamenei, speaking to senior clerics and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on March 12 in Tehran.
According to Hosseini, Mojtaba Khamenei briefly stepped outside his residence shortly before missiles struck the compound at 9:32 a.m. local time. Hosseini stated that Khamenei sustained only “a minor injury to his leg” during the strike that killed several family members.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
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