Iranian officials have dismissed reports of severe injury to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the Supreme Leader, following an airstrike in February [1].
The clarification comes as the Iranian government seeks to stabilize the narrative surrounding the newly-appointed Ayatollah's condition. Because of his position within the leadership hierarchy, contradictory reports regarding his survival and health have sparked international speculation about the stability of the Iranian regime.
According to Iranian health ministry sources and senior officials, Mojtaba Khamenei suffered only minor injuries during an airstrike that took place on Feb. 28, 2026 [1], [2]. The strike reportedly killed three of his close relatives: his father, wife, and son [4].
Ayatollah Mohsen Qomi said that Mojtaba Khamenei is in perfect health despite those injuries [1]. This statement was intended to counter rumors and U.S. media reports suggesting the official was either incapacitated or severely wounded [2], [5].
Other diplomatic representatives have echoed these sentiments. Dr. Mohammad Hossein Ziyaeenia, the Deputy Representative of Iran in India, said that Khamenei is fine and in a good situation [3].
These assertions contrast sharply with claims emerging from the U.S. Some reports indicated that the whereabouts of the official were unknown, while Donald Trump said that Mojtaba Khamenei is not alive [6], [7].
Iranian officials have characterized these external reports as a trick used by the enemy to create instability [2]. The health ministry's formal clarification was issued in early May 2026 to resolve the conflicting accounts [1], [2].
“"Mojtaba Khamenei is in perfect health despite injuries."”
The stark contradiction between Iranian official statements and U.S. claims suggests a high-stakes information war regarding the Iranian succession. By confirming Mojtaba Khamenei's health and survival, Tehran aims to project continuity and strength, while reports of his death or incapacitation serve as indicators of potential volatility within the country's highest levels of power.
