A new report has claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was recently named Iran's Supreme Leader, is in a coma after being seriously wounded in an airstrike that also killed his father.
The claims were reported by the British tabloid The Sun, which cited sources inside Iran.
According to the report, the 56-year-old cleric suffered critical injuries and has lost at least one leg following the strike. He is currently receiving treatment in Tehran under tight security.
Injuries reportedly severe
The report stated that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained major injuries during the attack. Sources quoted by the newspaper claimed that he lost 'at least one leg' and also suffered serious internal damage, possibly to the stomach or liver.
However, it remains unclear whether he was injured in the same airstrike on February 28 that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death.
The outlet also reported that because of his condition, Mojtaba Khamenei is currently not involved in directing Iran's military strategy during the ongoing conflict, which has contributed to volatility in global energy markets.
Treatment under heavy security in Tehran
According to the report, the Iranian leader is being treated at Sina University Hospital. Security around the facility has reportedly been tightened, with the hospital unit treating him sealed off from the public.
A source in Tehran told the newspaper that the leader's condition is extremely serious.
'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 said.
Doctors are said to be continuing intensive treatment while the area remains under strict protection.
Senior surgeon reportedly overseeing treatment
The report added that Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, who currently serves as Iran's health minister, is personally supervising the medical care.
Zafarghandi is known as a veteran trauma surgeon with experience treating severe war injuries and he is reportedly leading the team managing Khamenei's condition.
Iranian state media releases statement in his name
Despite reports about the leader's health, Iranian state television has tried to project continuity in leadership.
According to the report, the broadcaster aired what it described as Mojtaba Khamenei's first statement since assuming power. The message, however, was read by a news anchor rather than by the leader himself.
The statement warned that Iran would avenge the deaths of its citizens and continue military actions, including threats aimed at regional shipping routes and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts say system could function without leader
The report also suggested that Iran's governing structure may be capable of continuing military operations even if the Supreme Leader is unable to actively lead.
An Iranian analyst quoted by the publication said the system built under Ali Khamenei could operate without direct instructions from the current leader.
'His father left behind a system which has kicked into gear which can be run by a ghost,' the analyst said. 'That is why Iran's missiles and drones are still flying and it's why the war will go on.'
Claims remain unverified
The newspaper acknowledged that the details about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition could not be independently confirmed.
Strict internet controls inside Iran and the heavy security around the reported hospital treatment have made outside verification difficult.
As a result, the claims about the leader's injuries and medical condition remain unconfirmed.