Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Addresses Health Speculations

Iran has released a video of Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, to address health rumors following his father's death in an airstrike. The video shows him teaching students, while international leaders express concerns about his visibility and leadership. Reports reveal that Mojtaba narrowly escaped the attack that killed his father, raising questions about the future of Iran's leadership amidst rising tensions. This article delves into the implications of these developments and the reactions from global leaders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 09:54 IST

Mojtaba Khamenei's Video Release

To dispel rumors regarding his health, Iran has unveiled an undated video featuring Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed supreme leader. He assumed leadership after the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during a joint US-Israel airstrike on February 28. Reports indicate that Mojtaba was also injured in the attacks and is currently receiving medical care. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) shared footage of him instructing students in religious studies, although the video's date remains unspecified. The IRIB noted that this is the first time such a video of Mojtaba has been made public.

International Reactions to Mojtaba Khamenei

Concerns from US and Israel

On Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed uncertainty about Mojtaba Khamenei's current status, questioning who is truly in charge of Iran. He remarked, "Mojtaba, the successor ayatollah, has not appeared publicly... There seems to be significant internal strife among those vying for power." Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump commented that American officials are unsure of the Iranian leader's condition, stating, "Many are claiming he is severely injured, with reports suggesting he may have lost a leg. Others speculate he might be deceased." Trump emphasized the unusual absence of public appearances from Khamenei.

Mojtaba Khamenei's Narrow Escape

Surviving the Attack

According to leaked audio from an internal Iranian meeting, Mojtaba Khamenei narrowly avoided death during the Israeli strike that killed his father. The recording reveals that he had stepped outside their compound just moments before the attack. Mazaher Hosseini, the head of protocol for the elder Khamenei, recounted that Mojtaba was outside when the missiles hit, while his wife, Haddad, tragically lost her life in the strike.