Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly been wounded and may be disfigured following recent military strikes, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday, Hegseth questioned Khamenei’s ability to effectively govern Iran amid ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel that have lasted nearly two weeks.
“We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth said. “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.”
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since an Israeli strike at the start of the conflict reportedly killed several members of his family, including his father and wife. His first remarks since the incident were delivered in a written statement read by a television presenter on Thursday.
In the statement, he vowed that Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned neighbouring countries to shut down U.S. military bases on their territory or risk becoming targets of Iranian attacks.
Hegseth suggested the absence of video or audio from Khamenei raised questions about his condition.
“Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father — dead. He’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run and he lacks legitimacy,” he said.
However, an Iranian official told Reuters earlier this week that Khamenei had only been lightly injured and was continuing to carry out his duties. Iranian state television also described him as “war-wounded.”
Hegseth was joined at the briefing by Dan Caine. Both officials highlighted ongoing U.S. military operations aimed at weakening Iran’s missile, drone and naval capabilities.
The U.S. defense chief also issued a strong warning about the continuation of the campaign.
“We will keep pressing, keep pushing, keep advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemy,” Hegseth said.
The phrase “no quarter” refers to refusing to spare the life of a surrendering opponent, a practice prohibited under international humanitarian law, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
According to U.S. officials, more than 6,000 targets in Iran have been struck over the past 14 days as part of joint operations by the United States and Israel. Nearly two weeks of bombardment have reportedly resulted in about 2,000 deaths in Iran.
The Pentagon is also reinforcing its military presence in the region. Two U.S. officials said additional forces, including the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its Marine Expeditionary Unit, are being deployed. The vessel, currently in the Asia-Pacific region, can carry fighter jets and support amphibious operations.
In total, about 2,500 additional Marines, along with more sailors, are expected to be sent to the region.
Despite the sustained air campaign, Iranian drones have reportedly continued to fly into several countries in the region, including Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman.
Meanwhile, six U.S. service members were killed on Friday after a U.S. military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. The U.S. military said the incident involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
Since the United States and Israel began striking Iranian targets on February 28, a total of 11 U.S. troops have been reported killed.
