Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from serious wounds sustained in the airstrike that killed his father at the outset of the war, according to multiple individuals familiar with his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.

Those sources said Khamenei suffered significant injuries to his face and legs when the strike hit the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran, leaving him disfigured and physically weakened.

Despite his condition, the 56-year-old is said to remain mentally alert and engaged in governing. According to the sources, he has been participating in high-level discussions via audio links and continues to take part in key decisions related to the war and ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Questions about his ability to effectively lead come at a critical moment for Iran, as the country faces one of its most dangerous periods in decades, including sensitive diplomatic efforts underway in Islamabad.

The accounts from those close to Khamenei provide one of the most detailed glimpses into his condition since the attack, though Reuters noted it was unable to independently confirm the information.

Little has been publicly disclosed about his location, health, or daily functioning. No images, video footage, or recorded messages of Khamenei have been released since the strike and his subsequent elevation to supreme leader on March 8.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to questions regarding the extent of his injuries or why he has not appeared publicly.

Khamenei was wounded on February 28, the opening day of the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel. The same strike killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. Several other family members, including his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, were also killed in the attack.

Iranian officials have not issued a formal statement detailing his condition. However, state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term typically used for individuals seriously injured in combat, following his appointment.

Descriptions of his injuries align with earlier remarks made by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said on March 13 that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments told Reuters that Khamenei is believed to have lost a leg.

The CIA declined to comment on his condition, and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to inquiries.

Analysts say Khamenei may struggle to wield the same level of authority as his predecessor. Alex Vatanka noted that while the new leader represents continuity, it may take considerable time for him to establish firm control.

“Mojtaba will be one voice but it will not be the decisive one,” he said. “He needs to prove himself as the credible, powerful, overriding voice. The regime as a whole has to make a decision in terms of where they are going to go.”

One individual familiar with Khamenei’s circle said the public may see images of him within the next month or two, and possibly even a public appearance, though all sources stressed that such a move would depend on both his recovery and the security environment.

Under Iran’s system of governance, ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader, a senior Shiite cleric selected by an assembly of religious figures. The role includes oversight of the elected government and direct control over key institutions such as the Revolutionary Guards.

Iran’s founding supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, commanded unmatched authority as both a revolutionary figure and leading religious scholar.

His successor, Ali Khamenei, held less religious stature but consolidated power over decades, in part by strengthening the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.

Mojtaba Khamenei, however, does not appear to hold the same level of unquestioned authority, according to senior Iranian sources cited in past reporting. During the war, the Revolutionary Guards—who played a key role in his rise—have taken a leading role in major strategic decisions.

Before assuming the top position, Khamenei had already been deeply involved in the workings of the regime, building relationships with senior figures in the Guards and participating in high-level decision-making.

Analysts believe he is likely to maintain his father’s hardline stance, though his personal worldview remains less clearly defined.

His first message to the Iranian public after assuming power came in a written statement on March 12, in which he called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed and urged regional countries to shut down U.S. bases.

Since then, only brief written communications have been released, including a March 20 message marking the Persian New Year, which he described as the “year of resistance.” Major policy statements have instead been delivered by other senior officials.

His absence from public view has fueled widespread speculation within Iran, with online discussions and messaging groups filled with theories about his health and who is truly directing the country.

One widely circulated image on social media shows an empty chair under a spotlight with the caption “Where is Mojtaba?”

Some supporters of the government argue that keeping a low profile is necessary given the security risks posed by ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have already eliminated much of Iran’s leadership.

A member of the Basij militia echoed that view, saying it would be dangerous for Khamenei to appear publicly under current conditions.

“Why should he appear in public? To become a target for these criminals?” Mohammad Hosseini, from the city of Qom, said in a text message.