US Claims Iran's New Leader Likely Wounded, Intensifies Strikes

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

US Claims Iran's New Leader Likely Wounded, Intensifies Strikes

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asserted that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is believed to be "wounded and likely disfigured," suggesting he may not appear in public. This assertion comes as the United States continues to intensify its military operations against targets within Iran, with the conflict now entering its second week.

In a related development, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the loss of a KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq on Thursday, confirming the deaths of all six crew members. CENTCOM had initially reported four fatalities earlier on Friday while a search was underway for the remaining two. The aircraft was lost during Operation Epic Fury while flying in friendly airspace on March 12. CENTCOM reiterated that the incident's circumstances are under investigation and that there is no indication of hostile or friendly fire involvement.

Secretary Hegseth's remarks extended beyond the reported condition of the Iranian leadership to encompass the ongoing military campaign. He announced that the U.S. is preparing for "the highest volume of strikes" ever to be conducted over Iran. During a press briefing, Hegseth stated, "Today will be yet again the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran," emphasizing a continuous escalation. Since the conflict began on February 28, U.S. forces have reportedly struck over 15,000 targets, averaging more than 1,000 per day.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, also confirmed the escalation, stating that the U.S. would be "hitting them very hard over the next week." These comments follow a period of mixed signals from the President regarding the war's trajectory, including previous suggestions that targets in Iran were nearing depletion.

The strategic implications of the conflict, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, were also addressed. General Dan Caine, a senior U.S. military official, described the strait as a "tactically complex environment" when questioned about the possibility of U.S. escorting commercial traffic. He stressed the need to ensure current military objectives are met before facilitating large-scale passage. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint at its narrowest point only 33 kilometers wide, handles approximately 20% of global crude oil shipments. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait as a leverage tactic, a move alluded to in a statement attributed to Iran's supreme leader.

When asked about the Trump administration's preparedness for such a scenario, Hegseth responded affirmatively but without providing specific details, stating the U.S. is "closing in on, grabbing hold of and controlling what objectives we want to achieve." This contrasts somewhat with earlier remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who indicated the U.S. military was "not ready" to escort tankers, with assets focused on degrading Iranian capabilities. Regarding the potential for mines in the strait, Hegseth stated, "We've heard them talk about it... but... we have no clear evidence of that."

The reports regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's condition gain significance as he has not been seen publicly since the war commenced on February 28. His first public statement was reportedly read by a newscaster on Thursday. Hegseth questioned the use of a written statement, suggesting, "His father [is] dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy."

Further contributing to speculation, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, reportedly told The Guardian newspaper earlier in the week that Khamenei had been wounded in the attack that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei. Salarian was quoted as saying, "I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm… I think he is in the hospital because he is injured." Iranian officials have not officially commented on Khamenei's condition, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

On the humanitarian front, a United Nations representative reported that approximately 22,000 civilian buildings in Iran have been damaged during the ongoing conflict. Salvador Gutierrez, Iran chief of mission for the International Organization for Migration, stated that over 17,000 of these are residential units. He emphasized that "De-escalation remains critical to preventing further human suffering, and the protection of civilians must be an absolute priority."

In parallel developments, European Council President Antonio Costa expressed significant concern over the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil, warning of potential repercussions for European security. The U.S. has temporarily permitted the sale of Russian oil stranded at sea as a measure to mitigate global price surges attributed to the Iran war. Costa argued on X (formerly Twitter) that "Increasing economic pressure on Russia is decisive for it to accept serious negotiations for a just and lasting peace," adding that "Weakening sanctions increases Russian resources to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine." European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho noted that Russia has earned an estimated extra $150 million per day (€130 million) from oil sales since the Iran war began, asserting, "This is not the time to relax sanctions on Russia," and labeling the Kremlin "probably the biggest beneficiary" of the conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also criticized the U.S. move to ease sanctions on Russia, deeming such steps "wrong" despite the oil price increases linked to the Iran war. Speaking during a visit to Andoya, Norway, Merz stated that lifting restrictions now would send the "wrong signal."

In a separate incident, at least one person was killed in an explosion near a large rally in Tehran on Friday.

Ekhbary News Agency