Fresh reports circulating in international media suggest that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been seriously injured during the airstrike that killed his father, former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to a report by The Sun, Mojtaba Khamenei — the 56-year-old son of the late Iranian leader — is reportedly in critical condition after the strike. The publication alleged that he sustained severe injuries, including the loss of at least one leg, and is currently receiving treatment in Tehran.
While these claims continue to spread online, Iranian authorities have pushed back against the reports, insisting that the new leader remains safe.
AI-Manipulated Photo Raises Concerns
At the same time, controversy has grown around newly released images purportedly showing Mojtaba Khamenei. A journalist from BBC Verify has questioned the authenticity of the widely shared photograph circulated by Iranian media outlets.
Shayan Sardarizadeh, a senior journalist specializing in digital verification and disinformation, said the image appears to have been altered using artificial intelligence.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Sardarizadeh noted that the picture displayed clear signs of AI manipulation. According to his analysis, Google’s SynthID detection tool identified digital watermarks indicating the image had been edited using AI technology.
Further examination reportedly revealed that the image may not be recent at all. A reverse image search suggested the original photograph dates back several years and shows Mojtaba Khamenei attending a pro-government rally.
The background and surrounding figures in the image appear to have been digitally removed or altered, raising additional questions about why the image was modified before being redistributed by state-aligned media.
Online Speculation Over Leader’s Health
The controversial image is now reportedly featured on Mojtaba Khamenei’s newly created X account. Metadata linked to the account indicates it may be operating from the Netherlands.
The emergence of the edited image has intensified speculation about the Iranian leader’s condition, especially as he has not made any public appearances since assuming leadership earlier this week.
Reports claim he was wounded during the February 28 strike that killed his father. Since that incident, no independently verified photographs or public appearances have surfaced.
Some sources cited by The Sun even suggested that the Iranian leader may currently be in a coma and undergoing intensive treatment at Sina University Hospital in Tehran. According to the unnamed source referenced by the publication, Khamenei allegedly suffered multiple severe injuries during the attack.
Iranian Officials Deny the Claims
Despite the growing rumors, Iranian officials have rejected suggestions that Mojtaba Khamenei is critically ill.
Yousef Pezeshkian — the son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and a government adviser — dismissed the reports and said the new leader is in good health.
In a message shared on Telegram, Pezeshkian explained that he had personally sought clarification about the rumors and was told that Mojtaba Khamenei was “safe and sound.”
Other Iranian sources have also disputed the more dramatic reports, claiming the leader sustained only minor injuries during the initial wave of airstrikes. According to those accounts, he reportedly suffered a fractured foot, bruising near the eye and several facial cuts.
Strategic Silence Amid Ongoing Conflict
Political analysts say the absence of public appearances could be a calculated decision by Iranian authorities. During periods of conflict or political instability, governments sometimes limit the visibility of senior leaders while working to maintain a narrative of stability.
Until independent confirmation emerges, many of the reports surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health remain unverified, leaving observers closely watching for official updates or public appearances.
