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Iran's new leader releases first statement after reports he was allegedly in coma with amputated leg
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has released his first statement after it was reported that he was allegedly in a coma with an amputated leg.
The 56-year-old's message was broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday (March 12), with a news anchor reading the statement while an image of Khamenei appeared on screen.
No explanation was given for why he did not appear in person.
His statement came as reports circulated claiming Khamenei may have been severely injured during the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other members of his family.
Khamenei threatens closure of Strait of Hormuz
In the message, Khamenei pledged that Iran would not hold back from retaliation following the deaths caused by the strikes. "I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," the supreme leader said.
"The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge."
He continued: “A limited portion of this retaliation has already taken tangible form, but until it is fully achieved, this file will remain open above other cases. We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children," per The Independent.
“Therefore, the crime the enemy deliberately committed against the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in Minab, and some similar cases, holds a special status in this process of accountability," he added.
The strike he referenced reportedly killed 168 people, including around 110 children. Iran claims the school was hit by a US missile, though the United States has denied responsibility while an investigation is ongoing.
Khamenei also warned that Iran would seek compensation for the damage caused during the conflict.
"One point I must emphasize is that, in any case, we will obtain compensation from the enemy. If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent," he said.
He further suggested that Tehran would continue to use control of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic tool during the conflict: "The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well."
"Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency," he added.
Conflicting reports emerge about Khamenei’s condition
The statement also acknowledged the death of his father, who was killed in a drone strike in Tehran on the first day of the conflict that began on February 28.
Khamenei said he had seen his father’s body following the attack. "I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom," he said. "What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched."
The new leader also confirmed that several members of his family died in the same strike, including his wife, one of his sisters, his niece, and the husband of his other sister.
However, speculation has grown about Khamenei’s own condition after an Iranian source claimed he had been severely wounded during the attacks.
According to the source, who spoke to The Sun, Khamenei was reportedly being treated in intensive care at Sina University Hospital in Tehran.
"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 alleged.
Other Iranian sources have disputed those claims, saying Khamenei only suffered minor injuries during the initial wave of airstrikes, including a fractured foot, bruised eye, and cuts to his face, and is currently sheltering in a highly secure location.
The leader also notably did not attend his own succession rally in Tehran on Monday and has not been seen publicly since being appointed following his father’s death.
Trump responds with fiery statement as conflict escalates
The new leader’s remarks prompted a furious response from President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to issue a strongly worded message.
"We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning," he wrote.
"Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today."
Trump continued: "They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!
"Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," he concluded.
The escalating rhetoric comes as the Israeli military said it launched a "wide-scale wave of strikes" across Iran, targeting an aerial defense base, command centers and an underground ballistic missile facility, per BBC News.
Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly launched waves of drones and missiles toward Gulf countries that host US military assets.