'He was on the stairs': Iran claims Mojtaba Khamenei was knocked down by US blast but is 'recovering well'

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in "good health" and suffered only minor injuries during the February 28 strikes, senior Iranian officials said on Friday, dismissing mounting speculation over his condition and ability to govern. The officials insisted that Khamenei remains actively involved in state affairs and accused Iran’s enemies of spreading "rumours and false claims" about his health following the attack that reportedly killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with several senior Iranian figures. Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in the office of the supreme leader, said Mojtaba Khamenei sustained only limited injuries during the strike. According to Iran International English, Hosseini said Khamenei suffered injuries to his kneecap, lower back and the area behind his ear. "During the attack Khamenei was not in the place where the attack took place. They hit his home where his wife was killed. He was on his way, on the stairs, when the missile struck there. He was on the stairs when the blast knocked him on the ground," Hosseini said while addressing supporters, Iranian International English reported. "Thank God, he is in good health. The enemy is spreading all kinds of rumours and false claims. They want to see him and find him, but people should be patient and not rush. He will speak to you when the time is right," he added. Hosseini also acknowledged that "a small piece of shrapnel had hit him behind the ear" but insisted that the wounds were healing and that Khamenei was now "in complete health". The remarks come amid continuing conflicting reports over Mojtaba Khamenei’s medical condition, with several international media reports claiming he suffered serious injuries during the strikes. Earlier this month, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with his inner circle, that the 56-year-old cleric suffered severe facial injuries and serious wounds to one or both legs during the strike on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran. The report also claimed that several members of his family, including his wife and close relatives, were killed in the attack alongside Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei remains mentally alert and continues participating in major state decisions through audio conferences, including discussions linked to the ongoing conflict and negotiations with Washington. A separate report by CNN, citing US intelligence assessments, said Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a central figure in shaping Iran’s war and negotiation strategy following recent US and Israeli strikes. The report said US intelligence agencies have not visually confirmed Khamenei’s whereabouts since he assumed leadership after his father’s death. CNN further reported that Khamenei is avoiding electronic communication and relying instead on trusted couriers and face-to-face meetings while undergoing medical treatment for burns and other injuries affecting parts of his face, arm, torso and leg.