News Update : 'Wounded and likely disfigured': How US reacted to Mojtaba Khamenei's first statement - TOI WORLD DESK

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and "likely disfigured" following an air strike. Hegseth cited the absence of a voice or video message from Khamenei as evidence of his condition and lack of legitimacy. Meanwhile, Iranian President's son stated Khamenei is "safe and sound." US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and "likely disfigured" following an air strike. Hegseth cited the absence of a voice or video message from Khamenei as evidence of his condition and lack of legitimacy. Meanwhile, Iranian President's son stated Khamenei is "safe and sound." Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/wounded-and-likely-disfigured-how-us-reacted-to-irans-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khameneis-first-statement/articleshow/129555051.cms Date: 2026-03-13T13:27:43.000Z