politics

March 13, 2026

Hegseth pours doubt on ability of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei

War Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed President Donald Trump’s comments, doubting Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, can lead the country.

Hegseth pours doubt on ability of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei

TL;DR

  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth doubts the leadership capabilities of Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
  • Hegseth claims Khamenei is wounded, likely disfigured, and that the Iranian leadership is "desperate and hiding."
  • Khamenei's first statement as leader was written and read on state TV, which Hegseth characterized as "weak."
  • President Trump also expressed uncertainty about Khamenei's status, suggesting he is "damaged."
  • The article notes Khamenei is an opaque figure, with little existing footage, unlike his media-savvy father.
  • Speculation exists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Khamenei's appointment despite lacking qualifications.

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