Iran has claimed that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is suffering from only a "small scratch" behind his ear, following reports that he sustained life-altering injuries in US-Israeli attacks. The ayatollah is said to be in "full health" after suffering injuries to his kneecap and back, according to the regime, with their leader not having been publicly seen since the attacks began on 28 February, which also killed his father, Ali Khamenei.
According to reports, Khamenei required plastic surgery on his face and was awaiting a new prosthetic leg. Four senior Iranian officials familiar with the ayatollah's health told The New York Times earlier this month that the 56-year-old is gravely wounded but mentally in good health.
Details of Injuries
One of Khamenei's legs was operated on three times, and he is set to be fitted with a prosthetic leg, the officials said. One of his hands was operated on and is gradually regaining function, while his face and lips have been badly burned, making speaking difficult.
Regime's Public Comments
In Tehran's first public comments about his injuries, delivered through the semi-official Fars News agency, the regime stated: "[His] back injury has improved during this period, and the kneecap injury will soon heal as well. He is in full health."
Mazaher Hosseini, director general of protocol at the office of the supreme leader, said there was only a "small crack behind the ear" when asked about his facial injuries. "Thank God, he is in good health. The enemy is spreading all kinds of rumours and false claims," the statement added. "They want to see him and find him, but people should be patient and not rush. He will speak to you when the time is right."
Narrow Escape
It has been reported that Khamenei narrowly escaped death during US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. He is not believed to have been in the same building as his late father. According to leaked recorded comments from Mr Hosseini reported by The Telegraph, Khamenei had gone outside "to do something" just moments before Israeli Blue Sparrow missiles struck his residence at 9:32 am. "He was outside and was heading upstairs when they struck the building with a missile. His wife, Ms Haddad, was martyred instantly," Mr Hosseini said in the recording.
Recent Meetings
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he met Khamenei at an undisclosed location on Thursday and hailed the "vision and the humble and sincere approach of the supreme leader of the Islamic revolution." Iranian state TV reported that the head of Iran's military central command, Ali Abdollahi, had met him on Sunday.
