Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt in strike that killed his father, Iran’s Cyprus ambassador confirms

Mojtaba Khamenei Was Injured in Strike That Killed His Father, Iran’s Cyprus Ambassador Confirms

On February 28, an airstrike targeting a Tehran residence claimed the lives of six relatives of Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly elected supreme leader, including his father. Alireza Salarian, the country’s ambassador to Cyprus, shared details from an interview held at his embassy in Nicosia, revealing that Khamenei, 56, sustained injuries during the attack. “He was also present and wounded in that bombardment, though it hasn’t been widely reported in international media,” Salarian said. “I’ve heard he was hurt in his legs, hand, and arm. I believe he is receiving medical care.”

Attack Context and Family Casualties

The strike occurred on the first day of U.S.-led aerial assaults against Iran. Salarian noted that the attack took place during the 10th day of Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims. The late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was at his home with several family members, including Mojtaba’s wife, Zahra, and his teenage son, Mohammad Bagher, who were also killed. His wife, Mansour, reportedly died three days later. “The supreme leader was killed alongside his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and his daughter’s 14-month-old infant,” Salarian explained. “They were near the presidential office in their home, where he resided and worked. Top military figures were also among the casualties.”

Public Silence and Injuries

“I don’t think he feels ready to address the public or make statements,” Salarian said, referring to Mojtaba’s absence from public appearances since assuming leadership. “He was elected, not chosen through a dynastic process. However, after the attack, senior clergymen insisted he must take on the role.”

Earlier this week, Yousef Pezeshkian, a senior government advisor and son of Iran’s president, mentioned Mojtaba’s injuries but provided no specifics. On Telegram, he stated: “I’ve received word that Mr. Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded. My contacts confirmed he remains safe and well.” Iranian state TV had previously described the new leader as a “wounded veteran of the Ramadan conflict,” though the exact nature of his injuries was unspecified.

International Reactions and Strategic Concerns

Donald Trump, the U.S. president at the time, criticized Mojtaba’s selection by an 88-member clerical council, calling it “an unacceptable choice.” He predicted the cleric would not endure long in the role. Meanwhile, Israel has warned of potential assassination efforts against Mojtaba, citing his alignment with his father’s hardline policies. Salarian added that Western intelligence agencies suspect the new leader is being shielded from public view to prevent targeted attacks. “The U.S. and especially Israel are prepared to strike,” he said, “whether he is anxious or not.”

Human Impact and Political Implications

Salarian estimated that over 1,400 people had died in Iran due to the conflict by Tuesday. With Tehran’s population at 14 million, nearly half had fled the city, driven by the relentless bombing. The attack surprised even the political and diplomatic elite, despite prior military preparations. “The strikes caught everyone off guard, even though we anticipated U.S. actions,” he said. “Unlike his predecessors, Trump didn’t adhere to international law.”

Nuclear Ambitions and Diplomatic Relations

In a broader context, Salarian addressed Iran’s nuclear aspirations, emphasizing that the late supreme leader had explicitly stated the nation would not pursue nuclear weapons under its religious code, which prohibits their use. “The late leader made it clear that nuclear arms are forbidden by Islamic law,” he said. “Iran maintains friendly ties with Cyprus, despite ongoing tensions.”