Reports claim Iran’s Supreme Leader has not been seen in public since the outbreak of conflict with the United States, with speculation emerging over his health following an alleged airstrike injury.
According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly or issued any audio or video statements since assuming leadership. It is claimed that he was seriously injured in an airstrike on 28 February during escalating hostilities involving US-Israeli forces targeting Iranian sites.
The New York Times, citing senior Iranian officials, reported that while he was gravely wounded, he remains mentally alert and continues to be involved in decision-making. However, details of his condition suggest he has suffered severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
Reports further allege that his face was badly burned, affecting his ability to speak, and that he is expected to require plastic surgery. He is also said to have undergone repeated operations on his limbs, with one leg requiring multiple procedures and possible prosthetic support.
Medical treatment is reportedly being overseen by senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is a trained surgeon. Despite this, contact with the Supreme Leader is said to be extremely limited, with strict security measures in place due to fears of potential Israeli surveillance and assassination attempts.
According to the report, communication with him is highly restricted, with messages handwritten, sealed, and passed through a chain of trusted couriers to avoid detection. In return, his instructions are relayed back through the same method.
Sources also claim that senior officials and military commanders avoid direct visits, further highlighting the sensitivity surrounding his location and condition amid ongoing regional tensions.
