Iran says Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei suffered only minor injuries in February strike

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei suffered only “superficial injuries” during a February airstrike that killed his father, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.

Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour moved to dismiss reports suggesting the country’s new supreme leader was seriously wounded.

He told the state-affiliated ILNA news agency that Khamenei sustained injuries to his face, head and legs during the February 28 attack, but said they were minor.

“Aside from superficial injuries to the face, head, and legs – which resulted in no amputations or particular complications – nothing significant had happened, and from my perspective as a physician, these were not considered major injuries and did not require special treatment, except for one or two stitches,” Kermanpour said, according to ILNA.

He added that Khamenei was discharged from hospital in the early hours of the following day.

The statement appeared aimed at countering recent reports from The New York Times, which claimed Khamenei suffered severe burns to his face and lips and underwent multiple operations on one leg.

Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that Khamenei remains in good health and continues to oversee diplomatic talks with the United States amid the ongoing regional conflict.