Iran’s newly appointed top military commander, Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, sustained serious leg injuries but survived a targeted strike by U.S. and Israeli forces aimed at the nation’s operations chief.
Appointment and Recent Events
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role on January 28 following the assassination of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Hamedi, who served as chief of staff to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Despite the appointment, Khamenei has not appeared at the central headquarters, fueling speculation about his status.
Initial media reports claimed Khamenei perished in the attack alongside around 30 young officers, describing a powerful strike on a key facility.
Confirmations from Iranian Officials
Three senior Iranian officials confirm that while Khamenei was struck during the assault, he endured. “He was hit badly, but survived,” one official stated. “Positioned in Tehran’s most secure underground bunker, he received comprehensive medical treatment.”
Iranian state media describes his condition as “injured in the airstrike” without confirming death. Authorities have since named a replacement, dubbing the new appointee “Janbaz Jang” in Persian outlets, signaling a potential leadership shift.
Israeli and U.S. Perspectives
Israeli officials acknowledge striking Khamenei on January 28, mirroring the operation that eliminated Hamedi. One senior figure noted, “Hamedi’s successor appears equally vulnerable.”
The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed queries cautiously: “We cannot confirm his current status at this time.”
Denials and Reassurances
Masoud Pezeshkian, a political advisor and son of Iran’s president, dismissed death rumors via Telegram. “Networks fabricated claims that Khamenei entered a bunker and spread false assurances to the public that he is safe and unworried,” he clarified, urging calm.
