Unverified reports circulating among Iranian opposition networks claim Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly named Supreme Leader, may be in critical condition following the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that killed his father late last month.
Khamenei, 56, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was appointed Supreme Leader by Iran’s Assembly of Experts shortly after the elder Khamenei was killed in Feb. 28 strikes targeting senior regime leadership. The attack marked the opening phase of the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
🔴 Unconfirmed reports from inside Iran that are becoming more likely for every day that passes:
• Mojtaba Khamenei is hospitalised at the Sina Hospital ICU.
• He is severely injured in the abdomen and legs, and currently on a ventilator.
• He doesn't know that a war has… pic.twitter.com/GchPIzRzxU
— 𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 🇮🇷 ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) March 10, 2026
Opposition-linked accounts on social media now claim Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously wounded in those strikes and has remained hospitalized in intensive care in Tehran since then. Some posts allege he is on a ventilator and has not regained consciousness.
If true, the reports would mean Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader may be unaware of his father’s death, the outbreak of war, or his own elevation to power.
The claims remain unconfirmed.
Iranian state-linked sources have pushed back, describing Khamenei’s injuries as minor and insisting he continues to lead from a secure location. Some reports characterize him simply as a “wounded veteran” of the opening strikes.
The information vacuum has fueled speculation, particularly after images circulated online showing cardboard cutouts of Mojtaba Khamenei displayed at pro-regime gatherings rather than the leader appearing in person.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader was wounded in both legs the day his father Ayatollah Khamenei was killed.
Motjaba Khamenei has not been seen since his appointment as Supreme Leader and did not appear at his own ‘allegiance ceremony.’
Instead his supporters brought a cardboard… pic.twitter.com/7sFI7TTCer
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 11, 2026
International reporting has suggested more limited injuries — including a fractured foot and bruising — but has not corroborated claims that he is on life support.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly or issued statements since being named Supreme Leader, deepening uncertainty inside Iran as the war enters its second week.
Some American leaders, including Democratic Senator John Fetterman, have called for the new leader to be targeted.
🚨 HOLY CRAP. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) just said it, no holding back!
FETTERMAN: "We should kill EVERY LAST MEMBER of Iran's leadership."
ANCHOR: "Well, his son is now in charge…"
FETTERMAN: "Well, they should KILL HIM TOO!" pic.twitter.com/pUcnypztZy
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 11, 2026
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