The United States has claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been wounded and is hiding since the war between Iran and the United States began on February 28, 2026.
Speaking to journalists on March 13, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s leadership has become weakened and is no longer operating confidently.
“Iran’s leadership no longer has a strong posture. It is demoralized and hiding. They’ve gone underground, hiding like rats in caves. We know that the so-called new Supreme Leader has been injured and is struggling,” Hegseth said.
On March 12, Iranian state television released the first message attributed to Mojtaba since the war began, but it was only a written statement. No audio recording or video appearance of him was broadcast.
Hegseth suggested that the written message shows Mojtaba fears being killed like his father, Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader who was reportedly killed earlier in the conflict.The U.S. says Iran’s military capacity has been significantly weakened by American strikes under Operation Epic Fury and Israeli attacks known as Operation Roaring Lion.
According to Hegseth, the two allies have launched more than 15,000 strikes.He added that missile attacks launched from Tehran have dropped by about 90%, while drone attacks have decreased by 95% as of March 12.Iran, however, has warned that it could block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly said Iranian forces would continue targeting oil tankers passing through the area to pressure the United States and Israel to stop attacks on Tehran.
Meanwhile, United States Central Command confirmed that six American service members died after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.
Despite U.S. claims that Iran has been severely weakened, Iranian officials such as Ali Larijani insist the country remains strong and determined to resist pressure.
At the Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV also called on Christians involved in the conflict to reflect on their actions and seek repentance.The conflict continues to escalate, raising global concerns about rising oil prices and the possibility that the war could spread further across the Middle East.
