Mojtaba Khamenei ‘Wounded And Likely Disfigured’, Says US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed that Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has been injured and may be seriously disfigured, a day after the cleric issued his first written statement since taking over the country's top post and vowed to continue the war.

Hegseth questions why Mojtaba Khamenei released only a written statement

Speaking on Friday, Hegseth cast doubt on the Iranian leader's condition and the circumstances surrounding his public communication, saying the absence of a voice or video message was telling.

"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."

He further argued that Iran had the means to release a more conventional public message, but did not do so for a reason.

"Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father's dead. He's scared. He's injured. He's on the run. And he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who's in charge? Iran may not even know," the war secretary added.

US defence secretary attacks Mojtaba Khamenei's call for unity

Hegseth also took aim at the content of Mojtaba Khamenei's message, particularly the Iranian leader's appeal for unity during a period of heightened conflict.

Referring to the statement issued by the cleric, Hegseth said, "He called for unity. Apparently, killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity."

The remarks signalled a sharp escalation in Washington's rhetoric against Tehran's new leadership as the conflict in the region continues to intensify.

Mojtaba Khamenei's statement came after taking over from Ali Khamenei

The comments from the US Defence Secretary came a day after Mojtaba Khamenei released a written message on Thursday, pledging that Iran would continue the war despite mounting regional tensions.

The statement marked his first public message since assuming the role of Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Ali Khamenei, Iran's long-time top leader, was killed in an Israeli strike, after which Mojtaba Khamenei took over the country's highest position.

First public message adds to scrutiny over Iran's new leadership

Mojtaba Khamenei's decision to communicate through a written statement rather than a recorded appearance has drawn immediate scrutiny, particularly after Hegseth publicly questioned his health, legitimacy and ability to lead.

With the region already on edge, the exchange has added another layer of uncertainty around Iran's new leadership and how it intends to respond in the ongoing conflict.