Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed claims made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was injured. The denial comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia following recent military clashes.
Iran Denies Reports of Mojtaba Khamenei Being Injured Amid US Claims
Tehran: Recently, there has been widespread international speculation about the injury of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Amidst these reports, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has come forward and dismissed these claims. He stated that the country's Supreme Leader is completely safe and that the reports circulating about his health are completely false. This statement comes after the US claimed that Khamenei was injured.
Indeed, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed on Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured and his face was badly affected. He also said that Khamenei recently issued a written statement calling for the continuation of the war, but it contained neither his voice nor a video message.
Hegseth questioned why only a written statement was issued when Iran possesses sufficient technology and recording equipment. According to them, this could be a sign of instability within the Iranian leadership.
.@SecWar: “We know the new, so-called (not so) Supreme Leader is wounded — and likely disfigured.” pic.twitter.com/3LtUBVimjp
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 13, 2026
In response to these claims, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi categorically stated that there are no problems with Mojtaba Khamenei and that reports of his injury are completely baseless. He added that such rumors are being spread amid international tensions and are intended to sow confusion.
Meanwhile, several senior officials participated in a pro-government rally in Iran's capital, Tehran. Protesters chanted slogans and waved banners against the United States and Israel. These ongoing protests in Iran are being seen as a show of support for the government amid the ongoing conflict.
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Iran has launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel and its allies, while conflict continues between Israel and Hezbollah. The ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have resulted in numerous deaths.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 12 health workers were killed in an Israeli attack on a primary health center in southern Lebanon. Officials say the Israeli attacks are aimed at weakening Hezbollah, but the conflict is impacting stability throughout the region.
Experts believe that the current situation holds little promise for a de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, and the situation could become more complicated in the coming days.
