Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly in a coma and has lost a leg, according to sources in Tehran. The 56-year-old’s condition has sparked widespread rumors of his possible death, even as a statement attributed to him was read on state TV.
This development comes as Iran continues attacks on regional targets, with the regime’s future hanging in the balance under intense international pressure.
The written statement, read out by a news anchor on Iranian state TV, emphasized Iran’s intent to avenge recent losses. It stated: “We are not an enemy of the countries around us, and we are only targeting the bases of those Americans.”
BREAKING: Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei just issued his first statement — calling for continued attacks on U.S. bases in the region.
— Overton (@overton_news) March 12, 2026
FOX NEWS: “We’re just getting this in right now.”
“On Iranian state media a presenter read a new statement from Iran’s new supreme… pic.twitter.com/oseRBzUyez
The message also called for the closure of U.S. bases in the region: “The existence of the US bases in [Iran’s neighbours] and usage of those bases to attack Iran is not benefiting the region and they must be closed.”
Further, it hinted at support from proxies: armed groups in Iraq “want to help” his nation, while those in Yemen “will also do the job.”
Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear personally, which has intensified speculation about his health. A source in Tehran claimed he is in intensive care at Sina University Hospital, with a section sealed off for security.
Iran's new Supreme Leader is 'in a coma' and has lost a leg after being seriously injured in air strikes, a report has claimed. pic.twitter.com/N5uOUT1OJw
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) March 12, 2026
The same source described his injuries: “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well.”
The source added that Mojtaba is under the care of Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, Iran’s Minister of Health and a top trauma surgeon with experience from the Iran-Iraq war.
Another surgeon, Dr Mohammad Marashi, is reportedly assisting. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited two days ago and is being briefed on the condition.
Despite the statement’s release, state TV has referred to Mojtaba as “Jaanbaz of Ramadan” – meaning “wounded war veteran.”
Many believe the regime is operating under a “Ghost Ayatollah,” with regional commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps running operations.
This follows the assassination of Mojtaba’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28 in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike that also killed family members.
The statement addressed personal losses: “I lost my father, I lost my wife. My sister lost her child as well as the husband who has been martyred. But what it makes it easier for us to endure all these plights is to trust the grace of God and to know that patience is going to resolve it.”
A former study partner, Jaber Rajabi, now in exile, described Mojtaba as “obsessed with the end of days” and “more dangerous” than his father.
Rajabi warned of Mojtaba’s disregard for life: “If he can kill 13,000 of his own people, then he has no problem killing 100,000 in Tel Aviv, because if you don’t care about the lives of your own people, why would you care about the lives of others in Tel Aviv?”
President Trump has expressed willingness to target the new leader if demands aren’t met.
Meanwhile, Iranian boats have struck fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member, amid escalating attacks.
The Strait remains effectively closed, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel.
This ties into broader reports of Iran’s actions, including mining the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports have also suggested that up to 150 U.S. troops have been wounded so far during the conflict.
The financial toll is also mounting, with conservative estimates of U.S. costs at $1 billion per day, surpassing recent government spending cuts.
Security concerns extend globally, with reports of Iranian sleeper cells activated threatening U.S. figures.
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