Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt in strike that killed his father, Iran’s Cyprus ambassador confirms
Mojtaba Khamenei Injured in Attack that Killed His Father, Iran’s Cyprus Ambassador Affirms
Injury Confirmed by Embassy Official
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, sustained injuries during the 28 February strike that claimed the lives of six family members, including his father, according to Alireza Salarian, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus. During an interview at the embassy in Nicosia, Salarian described the attack’s impact, emphasizing that the new leader was fortunate to survive. “He was present and injured in the bombardment, yet this has not been widely covered in foreign media,” he said. “I’ve heard he suffered wounds to his legs, hand, and arm, and I believe he is currently in a hospital.”
“I don’t think he is comfortable to give a speech yet,” Salarian added, explaining Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from public appearances since assuming the role.
Targeting the Presidential Complex
The strike occurred on the first day of U.S.-led airstrikes against Iran, hitting the central presidential complex in Tehran. The attack coincided with the 10th day of Ramadan, a time of heightened religious significance. Salarian confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader, was at his residence with several relatives, including Mojtaba’s wife, Zahra, and his teenage son, Mohammad Bagher, who were among the casualties. The ambassador noted that Ali Khamenei’s wife, Mansour, passed away three days later from her injuries.
“The late supreme leader was killed along with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and the 14-month-old baby of his daughter,” Salarian recounted. “They were inside their home near the presidential office. Top commanders were also targeted as they had been invited.”
Public Perception and Political Reactions
Earlier in the week, Iranian state television referred to Mojtaba Khamenei as a “wounded veteran of the Ramadan conflict,” without specifying the nature of his injuries. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the cleric’s selection by a 88-member clerical committee as “an unacceptable choice,” asserting, “He is not going to last long.” Israel, meanwhile, has warned it will not hesitate to eliminate the hardline figure, seen as equally resolute as his father, who held the position for 37 years post-Islamic Revolution.
“High-ranking clerics approached me, but the late supreme leader declined, as he opposed a dynastic system. He was elected. After the attack, the clerics insisted: ‘This is your job; you have to obey,’” Salarian explained.
Impact on Tehran and Criticism of Trump’s Approach
Salarian estimated that the war in Iran had resulted in 1,400 deaths by Tuesday, with approximately half of Tehran’s 14 million residents evacuating the city. The strikes had surprised the political and diplomatic elite, despite the region’s military buildup, and Salarian claimed they illustrated Trump’s departure from the rule of law. “Trump is a phenomenon. He doesn’t believe in international legal standards, even within his own country,” he said, while praising the administrations of Biden and Obama.
“The late supreme leader himself announced that nuclear weapons are prohibited under Iran’s religious doctrine, so we will not pursue them,” Salarian emphasized, denying any intention to develop a nuclear bomb.
Strategic Implications and Fleeing Populace
Salarian highlighted the chaos in Tehran, noting the city’s population had been significantly reduced due to the bombardment. He also suggested that the new leader is being shielded from public view to prevent potential attacks. “I don’t know if he’s worried, but we know the U.S. and especially Israel will target him,” the ambassador said, underscoring the perceived threat to Mojtaba Khamenei’s safety.
