Ali Khamenei has not been seen publicly by Iranians since his selection on Sunday by the clerical assembly, with his first statements read aloud by a television presenter on Thursday.
An Iranian official told Reuters that the newly appointed supreme leader was lightly injured but remains operational, following state television reports describing him as war-wounded.
Commenting on the situation, former US President Donald Trump said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show” that Khamenei is “probably alive in some form” but “damaged.” His remarks were published by Fox News late Thursday.
In his first public statements, Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and urged neighboring countries to remove US bases from their territories, warning that Iran would target those who do not comply.
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian strikes on Israel and Gulf nations hosting US bases. The conflict has already lasted nearly two weeks, resulting in thousands of casualties and significant disruptions in global financial markets.
As tensions escalate, the leaders of Iran, Israel, and the United States have all voiced defiance, reiterating their commitment to continue fighting amid mounting regional instability.
