Tensions escalate as US claims Iran’s new leader wounded, lacks legitimacy
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States has intensified its rhetoric against Iran, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth alleging the country’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded, possibly disfigured, and “on the run.” The claims, made during a Pentagon briefing Friday, come as the conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel enters its second month following US strikes on Iranian military sites beginning February 28.
Hegseth stated Khamenei released a written statement calling for unity, a move he characterized as unusual given Iran’s access to communication technology. “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders – so why a written statement? I think you know why,” Hegseth said, suggesting the leader is attempting to conceal his condition. He further asserted that Khamenei’s father is “dead” and that the new leader “lacks legitimacy.”
The Pentagon has recently restricted photographers from covering Hegseth’s briefings on the war in Iran, a change in longstanding policy without explanation, according to the Associated Press.
During the briefing, which also featured Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth announced the US intends to launch its “highest volume of attacks” on Iran, aiming to dismantle the nation’s defense industry. He claimed Iran will be unable to rebuild its weapons capabilities, stating all of its defense companies “will be destroyed.”
The US Defense Secretary painted a picture of a crumbling Iranian regime, asserting its military capabilities are “crumbling” and its leadership is “confused.” He vowed continued pressure, stating, “No mercy for our enemies.”
Khamenei has not been publicly seen since his selection as Supreme Leader on Sunday. The situation remains fluid, with the US continuing to escalate its military and rhetorical pressure on Iran.