Hegseth claims Iran's supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"
Middle East,Iran,Ayatollah Khamenei,Russia,Trump Administration
From the Left
AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean Left
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured."
Why it matters: Hegseth's claim was the first official statement by the Trump administration about Khamenei's health since he was named the country's leader.
"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.
Check for Bias
The AI-powered AllSides Bias Checker instantly reveals the bias of a news article. Tap the button to use.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
'Israel's 9/11' or a 'Diverted' Flight? New Details Emerge on Flydubai Plane Hijacking
October 1st, 2026
Headline Roundup
Pilot Stabs Copilot on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight, Israel Investigating as Terrorism
September 30th, 2026
Red Blue Translator
Arab Spring
News
Tracking Trump’s Campaign Promises
AllSides Staff
October 2nd, 2026