Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly receiving medical treatment in Moscow following injuries sustained during recent US and Israeli strikes, according to multiple media sources.
A high-ranking Iranian official told AJ Jariba that Khamenei was covertly flown to Russia on a military aircraft due to security and health concerns. He underwent surgery and is now recuperating in a private medical facility within one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences.
The source explained that the severity of Khamenei’s injuries from the attacks on February 28 necessitated advanced medical care that Iranian facilities could not safely provide amid ongoing bombardments. Israeli threats to target the Supreme Leader further complicated his treatment in Iran.
The decision to transfer Khamenei to Moscow followed a personal proposal from President Putin during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12. Iranian officials, including Khamenei, accepted the offer, enabling a joint Russian-Iranian medical team to administer care.
Questions have arisen regarding a recent public statement purportedly issued by Khamenei. A reformist source familiar with Iran’s political circles suggested the speech may have been drafted by Ali Larijani, secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council, citing stylistic similarities to his previous statements. The source noted Khamenei was reportedly unaware of the broadcast, which lacked an accompanying audio recording.
On March 12, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that Israel possesses intelligence on Khamenei’s whereabouts and condition but chose not to disclose details. Meanwhile, Israeli officials caution that Khamenei’s injuries may be more severe than initially reported, and Tehran’s tight security limits confirmed information about his movements.
In a related development, the US government offered a $10 million reward on March 13 for information regarding Khamenei and senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials. US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Khamenei’s survival, citing his absence from public appearances as cause for concern.
Earlier reports indicated Khamenei sustained injuries along the left side of his body from debris during targeted strikes on a government complex in Tehran.
The ongoing uncertainty about Iran’s leadership and health of its new Supreme Leader raises questions over the country’s political stability amid escalating regional tensions.
