US spreads claims that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is injured and disfigured

United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is injured and experiencing facial disfigurement.

Hegseth questioned Khamenei’s capability to lead Iran following his official selection as the new leader, citing his alleged injuries.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s inaugural message appeared in a statement read by a presenter on Iranian state television on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

In the statement, Mojtaba asserted that he would continue to “maintain” the Strait of Hormuz as closed and called on neighbouring nations in the region to shut US military bases on their territory or risk becoming targets of Iran.

“We know that the so-called leader is injured and likely suffering from facial disfigurement,” said Hegseth, as quoted by Reuters on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

“He issued a statement yesterday. A weak statement, actually, but there is no voice and no video. It is a written statement,” he added.

Hegseth also stated that Mojtaba Khamenei lacks legitimacy.

“Iran has many cameras and many recording devices. Why a written statement? I think you know the reason. His father died. He is afraid, he is injured, he is on the run, and he has no legitimacy,” he said.

Separately, an Iranian official stated that the newly appointed Supreme Leader sustained minor injuries but “continues to operate”.

In his inaugural message on Thursday, 12 March, Mojtaba affirmed that Iran would continue to close the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict.

He also stated Iran would continue to strike US bases in the Middle East, whilst maintaining friendship with Arab nations.

“The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to pressure Iran’s enemies,” said Mojtaba.