Mojtaba Khamenei ‘gravely wounded’ but remains 'conscious’: NYT claims citing Iranian officials

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, is reportedly severely injured, with access to him tightly restricted even for senior Iranian officials.

According to a report by The New York Times, when Ali Khamenei was Supreme Leader, he exercised full authority over decisions related to war, peace and negotiations with the United States. However, his son and successor’s role appears to differ.

The newspaper states that Mojtaba Khamenei has become an increasingly enigmatic figure, having neither appeared in public nor been heard from since his reported appointment in March.

The report adds that he has not been seen since 28 February, following US and Israeli strikes on his father’s compound. The attack reportedly killed his wife and son.

Access to him has since become extremely limited, with Khamenei said to be under the care of a group of doctors and medical staff treating his injuries.

According to the report, even senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and high-ranking government officials are avoiding meetings with him due to fears that Israel could trace his location and target him.

The report also claims that Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon by profession, has been involved in his treatment.

Citing four senior Iranian officials, the newspaper says that despite his severe injuries, Mojtaba Khamenei remains mentally alert and active.

He has reportedly undergone three surgeries on one leg and is awaiting a prosthetic limb. Surgery has also been performed on one of his hands, with doctors gradually working to restore its function.

Officials further stated that his face and lips have been badly burned, leaving him with difficulty speaking, and that he is likely to require plastic surgery.

The report notes that he has not yet recorded any video or audio messages, as he does not wish to appear weak during his first public address.

According to the newspaper, communication with Mojtaba Khamenei is being conducted through handwritten messages passed in sealed envelopes via trusted intermediaries, with his instructions relayed in the same manner.