New Rumors: Mojtaba Khamenei is in a Coma
The mystery of Mojtaba Khamenei: Amid rumors of amputation and a ventilator, Iranian officials claim the new leader is "lightly injured."
Reports of Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, being in a coma have circulated widely since his selection on March 9, 2026, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Key Claims of Coma or Severe Injury:
Outlets like Modern.az and Azernews cited former Iranian news anchor Ehsan Karami claiming Mojtaba, 56, was admitted to Sina Hospital in Tehran, connected to a ventilator, and in a coma, unaware of his appointment, the ongoing war, or family deaths from the strikes.
Similar unverified posts on Facebook alleged severe abdominal and leg injuries, with treatment at Shahid Beheshti University Hospital under tight security.
Amputation Rumors: British tabloids, including The Sun and Daily Mail (via X posts), reported he "lost a leg" and is in a coma, citing anonymous Tehran sources.
These escalated today (March 12), with LBC and Mirror echoing the claims.
Broader Speculation: YouTube videos and Reddit threads suggested he was wounded in an "assassination attempt" at war's outbreak, with some calling it disinformation amid the "Ramadan War."
X users debated his absence from public view, fueling theories of death or incapacity.
Counter-Claims from Iranian Sources: Injured but Operational
Iranian state TV labeled him a "Jaanbaz [injured war veteran] of Ramadan," implying wounds from the conflict without specifics.
Officials told Reuters he's "lightly injured" but continuing duties.
President Masoud Pezeshkian's son, Yousef, told ISNA he's "safe and there are no concerns," while a source confirmed to CNN minor injuries like a fractured foot, facial lacerations, and bruising to his eye from the war's first day.
Public Activity: Today, Iranian channels announced Mojtaba would deliver his first speech to address rumors.
A statement attributed to him, via TalkTV, clarified Iran targets only U.S. bases, not neighbors.
The BBC noted his injuries explain the lack of appearances but didn't confirm coma.
No independent verification exists yet; but his recorded speech today indicates he is unwell.