Mojtaba Khamenei Sustained Injuries in Strike That Killed His Father

Alireza Salarian, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the nation’s new supreme leader, was wounded in the 28 February attack that claimed the lives of six family members, including his father. The incident occurred during the initial phase of US-led airstrikes targeting Iran, a period marked by intense military activity. Speaking from the embassy grounds in Nicosia, Salarian detailed the event, noting that Khamenei’s residence was destroyed in the bombing. “He was present at the time and suffered injuries, though this hasn’t been widely reported in international media,” he said, highlighting the cleric’s survival as a fortunate outcome.

Khamenei, 56, is reportedly receiving medical treatment following the strike. The ambassador mentioned that the new leader has remained out of public view since assuming his role, suggesting discomfort with the responsibilities. “He hasn’t been able to address the public or make formal declarations since taking over,” Salarian explained, adding that the family was gathered at the residence, which was near the presidential complex. Among the victims were Mojtaba’s wife, Zahra, and his son Mohammad Bagher, while his father, Ali Khamenei, was the central figure in the attack. Iranian media later reported that Ali Khamenei’s wife, Mansour, passed away three days afterward.

The attack took place on the 10th day of Ramadan, a time of spiritual significance for Muslims. Salarian emphasized that the late ayatollah had invited top commanders to his home, which became a target. “They were in their residence close to the presidential office when the strike hit,” he stated. “The supreme leader had four sons and two daughters, and he lived in the same location where he conducted official duties.”

Earlier this week, Yousef Pezeshkian, a key government advisor and son of Iran’s president, mentioned Mojtaba Khamenei’s injuries without elaborating on their severity. In a Telegram post, he noted: “I’ve heard Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt, but thanks to God, he’s recovering well.” Another Iranian official told Reuters that Khamenei had “minor injuries” and continued his leadership role. The country’s state television had previously referred to the new leader as a “wounded veteran of the Ramadan war” without specifying the nature of his wounds.

US President Donald Trump criticized Mojtaba Khamenei’s election by an 88-member clerical committee, calling it “an unacceptable choice” and predicting a short tenure. Israel has also expressed readiness to eliminate the Shia cleric, believed to be as hardline as his father. Salarian revealed that the late ayatollah had initially resisted his son’s succession. “High-ranking clergy approached him, but he refused, saying he didn’t want a dynastic system,” the ambassador explained. “He was elected, and after the attack, they told him, ‘This is your responsibility; you must comply.’”

Western intelligence analysts speculate that Mojtaba Khamenei’s limited public appearances are a precautionary measure against potential threats. “We know the US and Israel are likely to target him,” Salarian said, though he remained uncertain about the cleric’s personal anxiety. The ambassador also estimated that the war in Iran had resulted in 1,400 casualties by Tuesday, with Tehran’s population reportedly halved due to the bombardment. Many residents fled the city, driven by the intensity of the strikes.

Despite the chaos, Salarian praised the leadership of Biden and Obama, contrasting their approaches with Trump’s. “Trump doesn’t respect international or domestic law,” the envoy stated. He also stressed that Iran had no plans to develop nuclear weapons, citing the late supreme leader’s own declaration: “We will not possess nuclear arms, as the religious code forbids their use.”