Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, said on Saturday that Mojtaba Khamenei is in good condition, addressing speculation about the health of the country’s new supreme leader.
Mojtaba, 56, was reportedly injured during airstrikes that targeted several senior officials of the Islamic Republic at the beginning of the United States–Israel military operation, which is now in its 16th day.
Questions about his health intensified after his first speech following his appointment was read on his behalf by Iranian state media.
At a press briefing last week, Pete Hegseth, the United States Secretary of War, claimed that Mojtaba was “wounded and likely disfigured.”
However, Araghchi dismissed the speculation during an interview with MS NOW, saying: “There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He is performing his duties according to the constitution.”
The foreign minister also condemned the bombing of Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island, alleging that the attacks were launched from nearby countries and describing the use of Iran’s neighbors for such strikes as “absolutely unacceptable.”
According to Araghchi, Iranian military tracking indicated that the rockets were fired from two highly populated areas in the United Arab Emirates—one in Ras Al Khaimah and another location close to Dubai.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump told NBC News over the weekend that he had heard the rumors about Mojtaba Khamenei but could not confirm his condition.
“Nobody’s been able to show him,” Trump said. “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.”
Trump also confirmed that he has been coordinating with other countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid concerns about attacks on vessels in the area.
The escalating tensions have disrupted global oil supply and pushed energy prices higher worldwide.
