The new Iranian ayatollah, Mojtaba Jamenei, is found injured and “probably disfigured” after joint attacks by the United States and Israel, according to this Friday’s statement by the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. This statement, made from the Pentagon, explains the public absence of the leader since the start of the military offensive that also took the life of his father, the former supreme leader, Ali Jamenei.
Hegseth’s statements on the new Iranian ayatollah
In a press conference, Hegseth stated: “We know that the new Iranian ayatollah, not so supreme, is injured and probably disfigured”. He referred to a recent statement attributed to Jamenei, described as “quite weak”, without voice or video, which reinforces suspicions about his physical condition. These words, picked up by international media, mark a direct tone in the midst of the escalation in the Middle East.
Context of the attacks and succession in Iran
The bombings, ordered by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, occurred in the framework of the regional war. Mojtaba Jamenei assumed as the new supreme leader after the death of his father, a key role in the Iranian theocracy where the ayatollah is the maximum spiritual and political authority. Historically, Jamenei’s son was seen as a discreet figure, but emerged quickly in this power vacuum.
Background and international reactions
- The death of Ali Jamenei represents a blow to the Iranian power structure, with possible repercussions on allies like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
- Experts in international relations highlight that the designation of Mojtaba was accelerated, without broad consensus in the Shia clergy.
- Iran has not confirmed nor denied the injuries of the new Iranian ayatollah, opting for official silence.
The new Iranian ayatollah now faces a weakened leadership due to the offensive, with US intelligence suggesting direct impacts on his health. This situation could alter dynamics in the region, where nuclear tensions and proxy wars have persisted for decades.
Ultimately, the claims about the injured new Iranian ayatollah underscore the intensity of the conflict, with the US and Israel pressuring strategically while Tehran deals with the transition.
