Iran's new Supreme Leader is thought to have suffered severe injuries to his face but is still alive, three members of his inner circle have claimed.
Mojtaba Khamenei suffered severe disfigurement to his face and sustained significant leg wounds in the February airstrike that claimed his father's life, according to individuals with knowledge of his inner circle.
The 56-year-old was injured when the strike hit the compound housing Iran's supreme leader in Tehran on 28 February.
The attack killed the previous supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who had governed the country since 1989.
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Sources told Reuters, the blast left facial injuries described as disfiguring, alongside serious damage to one or both of his legs.
Despite the extent of his wounds, the sources maintain that Khamenei is recovering and his mental faculties remain unaffected.
Two of the individuals told Reuters he has been taking part in critical government decisions through audio conference calls with senior officials.
Khamenei is said to be actively engaged in discussions concerning both the ongoing military conflict and sensitive diplomatic exchanges with Washington, according to the sources who requested anonymity given the delicate nature of the information.
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei escaped death by mere seconds after going outside as his home was struck by missiles | GETTYHowever, Reuters was unable to independently confirm these accounts of his continued involvement in state matters.
The new supreme leader's complete absence from public view since assuming power on March 8 has generated widespread uncertainty about his true condition.
No photographs, video footage or audio recordings of Khamenei have been publicly released since he took office.
This lack of visibility has prompted various unconfirmed reports about his health. Some accounts have suggested he may be in severe condition.
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Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking power
| REUTERSOpposition-linked sources have made more dramatic claims, including allegations of him being in a coma.
Iranian state media has made only cryptic references, describing him as a "janbaz" – a designation for those gravely wounded in conflict.
Diplomatic efforts between Iranian and American officials are currently taking place in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation, focused on maintaining a fragile ceasefire and working towards a more comprehensive agreement.
Donald Trump, directing the American political strategy, has reportedly been dealing with other Iranian officials directly rather than the supreme leader himself, raising further doubts about Tehran's command structure.
Intelligence sources in Washington have characterised the injuries as severe, describing Khamenei as "likely disfigured".
Individuals close to the leadership have suggested that images or even a public appearance could materialise within weeks, provided his health continues to improve and security considerations permit.