According to reports by Reuters , citing sources close to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei still bears the deep physical scars of the attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Although mentally alert, the 56-year-old is reportedly disfigured and suffering from serious leg injuries.

A state of health shrouded in mystery

Since his appointment on March 8 , succeeding his father who was killed in the initial strike of the conflict on February 28, Mojtaba Khamenei has made no public appearances. The complete absence of images, videos, or audio recordings fuels speculation about his actual ability to govern.

1. Governance method: According to anonymous sources, he would run the affairs of state — including peace negotiations in Islamabad and war strategy — by audio conference .
2. Official clues: State television used the term " janbaz " (severely wounded war veteran) to refer to him, a coded sign of the seriousness of his condition.
3. Intelligence assessments: While the CIA remains silent, a source linked to US intelligence suggests that the new leader may have lost a leg . This corroborates the remarks of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described the leader as "likely disfigured."

An unprecedented crisis context

These revelations come as Iran is going through its most unstable period in decades. The February 28 strike not only decimated the top of the government but also struck at Mojtaba Khamenei's inner circle, killing his wife and other members of his extended family.

"He still has to prove himself."

According to Alex Vatanka, a researcher at the Middle East Institute , Mojtaba's legitimacy is fragile. Unlike his father, this inexperienced and convalescent leader may not wield absolute power: "His voice will not be decisive immediately; it is up to the regime as a whole to define the direction to take."

In summary: Key points

Question	Current situation
Physical state	Disfigured face, serious leg injuries (possible amputation).
Mental capacity	Alert, participates in major decisions via audio conference.
Communication	Total silence from the Iranian authorities and the UN mission.
Challenges	Critical peace talks with the United States begin in Pakistan.