by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran’s newly installed supreme leader is likely wounded, disfigured, and hiding underground as the Islamic Republic reels from the opening blows of the war with the United States and Israel.
Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth mocked the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei, claiming the country’s leadership has retreated into hiding after suffering major losses during the initial strikes of the conflict.
“Iran’s leadership is in no better shape — desperate and hiding,” Hegseth said. “They’ve gone underground, cowering. That’s what rats do.”
He added that intelligence suggests the new leader is injured and possibly disfigured.
“We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth said.
Leader Missing From Public View
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being named Iran’s supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening U.S.–Israeli strike on Feb. 28.
His first statement as leader was not delivered in person or by video. Instead, the message was read by an announcer on Iranian state television — a detail Hegseth said raised questions about the leader’s condition.
“He put out a statement yesterday — but there was no voice and no video,” Hegseth said. “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement?”
The absence of any public appearance has fueled speculation that the new leader may be severely injured and operating from a secure underground location to avoid being targeted.
Reports of Injuries
According to reports cited by international media, Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the first day of the war.
The injuries reportedly include a fractured foot, wounds around his left eye, and cuts to his face. Iranian officials have described him as a “wounded war veteran,” though they have provided few details about his condition.
Security concerns may also be limiting communications. Iranian officials have reportedly restricted contact with the new leader out of fear that any electronic communication could reveal his location.
Vows of Revenge
Despite remaining hidden, Khamenei issued a written message vowing that Iran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel would continue.
In the statement, he called for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and pledged retaliation for those killed in the opening strikes.
“We will not refrain from avenging the blood of the martyrs,” the statement declared.
He also praised Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah, for joining the fight and supporting Tehran during the conflict.
Leadership Crisis
The secrecy surrounding Iran’s new supreme leader highlights the turmoil facing the regime after the war’s opening strike killed Ali Khamenei along with several members of his family.
With Mojtaba Khamenei wounded and reportedly hiding in a heavily secured location, questions remain about who is directing Iran’s war strategy as the conflict with Israel and the United States continues to escalate.
Prophecy Perspective?
Many students of biblical prophecy note that Jeremiah’s oracle concerning Elam — a region historically associated with parts of modern-day Iran — contains a remarkable pattern of judgment followed by restoration in the “latter days.” In Jeremiah 49:37–39, the Lord declares that He will bring disaster upon Elam, scatter its people, and even “destroy the king and the princes,” signaling the collapse of earthly power structures that oppose His purposes. Yet the prophecy does not end in destruction. In the same passage God promises, “in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam.” For many end-time watchers, the passage suggests that upheaval in the region — including the removal of rulers and officials — could ultimately become part of a larger divine narrative in which judgment clears the way for restoration. In the biblical pattern, the shaking of nations is not merely about political change but about God asserting His sovereignty, opening the door for renewal and ultimately revealing His redemptive purposes even in lands long marked by conflict.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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