Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Evacuated to Russia for Medical Treatment
U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed intelligence indicating Khamenei is "seriously wounded and likely disfigured," though unverified by independent sources. Iranian and Russian officials have not commented.
RWTNews Staff
Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was secretly flown to Moscow on a Russian military aircraft for urgent medical care following severe injuries from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, according to reports from March 15, 2026.
The 56-year-old cleric, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, assumed leadership after his father's death in the February 28 strikes that initiated Operation Epic Fury. Reports describe his injuries as catastrophic, including major internal damage, possible amputation of one or both legs, and a coma. The evacuation was prompted by security risks and inadequate medical facilities in Iran amid ongoing bombardments.
In Moscow, Khamenei reportedly underwent surgery and is receiving treatment at a private hospital linked to one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's residences. The operation was described as ultra-secret to avoid tracking.
U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed intelligence indicating Khamenei is "seriously wounded and likely disfigured," though unverified by independent sources. Iranian and Russian officials have not commented.
The reports originate from Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, citing unnamed sources, and The Sun via an exiled Iranian dissident in London.