Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly in coma after airstrike

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly in a coma and has lost at least one leg after being critically wounded in an airstrike that killed his father, according to a report by British tabloid The Sun.

The report said the 56-year-old son of the late Iranian leader Ali Khamenei sustained severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in Tehran.

Sources cited in the report claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei “lost at least one leg” and suffered serious internal injuries, possibly to the stomach or liver. It remains unclear whether he was wounded in the same February 28 strike that reportedly killed his 86-year-old father.

According to the report, the new leader is being treated under heavy security at Sina University Hospital, where access to the treatment unit has allegedly been sealed off.

A source quoted by the publication said Khamenei’s condition was “very serious”.

“One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well,” the source was quoted as saying.

The report added that veteran trauma surgeon Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, who currently serves as Iran’s health minister and has extensive experience treating war injuries, is overseeing the treatment.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television has attempted to project continuity in leadership by broadcasting what it described as Khamenei’s first statement since assuming power. The message, read by a news anchor rather than the leader himself, warned that Iran would avenge the blood of its citizens and continue attacks targeting regional shipping routes, including threats to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The report also suggested that Iran’s leadership structure may be continuing military operations without direct orders from Khamenei.

An Iranian analyst quoted by the publication said the country’s command system could function even in the absence of an active leader.

“His father left behind a system, which has kicked into gear which can be run by a ghost,” the analyst said, suggesting that existing command networks may be sustaining Iran’s missile and drone operations.

The claims have not been independently verified. According to the report, strict internet controls in Iran and heavy security surrounding the leader’s reported treatment have made independent confirmation difficult.