Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s reported new Supreme Leader, is at the centre of fresh reports about his health. The 56-year-old cleric is said to have been badly injured in a US-Israeli airstrike on 28 February that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Reports claim that Khamenei may have been flown to Moscow for medical care. A Kuwaiti newspaper said that Vladimir Putin personally offered treatment during a phone call with Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian. It is also claimed that he travelled to Russia on a military aircraft shortly after the call.
What has Russia said about these reports?
Russia has not confirmed the claims. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Tass news agency that officials “never comment on such reports.” This means there is no official proof that Khamenei is being treated in Russia.
How badly was Mojtaba Khamenei injured?
Iran’s foreign ministry says he was wounded in the airstrike but is now “feeling well.” Reports suggest injuries to his leg, arm and hand. However, different accounts give mixed details. Some say his injuries were minor, while others claim they were serious.
What do other reports say about the attack?
Some leaked information suggests Khamenei avoided death by leaving the compound shortly before the strike. The attack reportedly killed members of his family, including his wife and son. At the same time, some American reports claim he was badly disfigured in the attack. These claims have not been officially confirmed. Donald Trump said he is unsure whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader is even alive. He also said the US does not clearly know who it could negotiate with in Tehran.
Iran and Russia are close allies in the Middle East. They share opposition to the US and NATO. Putin has strongly criticised the killing of Ali Khamenei, calling it a “cynical murder,” and has promised continued support for Iran.
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