Mystery deepens over Mojtaba Khamenei's condition after Iran unveils ‘martyr’ mural
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A viral mural showing the Islamic Republic's new ayatollah among dead Iranian leaders has deepened speculation he was killed or gravely wounded in the 28 February strikes on Tehran.
A mural depicting Mojtaba Khamenei alongside dead Iranian commanders and officials has gone viral in Iran, fueling speculation that the country's new ayatollah may be dead or gravely wounded nearly two months after he was last seen in public.
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The mural, unveiled in Mashhad Ardehal west of Kashan and titled "Martyrs of the Epic Struggle," depicts deceased top Iranian military and political leaders, including Qassem Soleimani, former President Ebrahim Raisi and Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini.
The footage of the mural spread rapidly on social media, sparking questions over the fate of the new supreme leader and the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on 28 February. Iranian authorities have not commented.
This was not the only slip-up by the Tehran regime in recent days. Tasnim News Agency, tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), referred to Khamenei in a recent post as the "martyred leader of the revolution." The Islamic Republic officials later said it was an error.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in any video or audio recording since strikes hit his father's residence at the start of the war. Notably, a cardboard cutout was presented to the public during the announcement as the new ayatollah, while his first address to the nation was read on state-run media some two weeks after his appointment.
What we know of Mojtaba's condition so far
International media outlets citing Iranian officials have reported Mojtaba Khamenei sustained serious injuries in the 28 February attack but remained mentally alert and involved in decision-making.
Reports said he had undergone multiple surgeries on his legs and arms and struggled to speak due to severe burns to his face and lips.
Other reports made claims he underwent plastic surgery for his injuries as well and that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian — himself a doctor — was in charge of his recovery. Euronews could not independently verify the claims.
RelatedAli Nikzad, deputy speaker of Iran's parliament, added to the uncertainty during a recent television appearance when he referenced what he called Khamenei's "first instruction" on the Strait of Hormuz without mentioning any subsequent orders.
US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both previously suggested Khamenei was wounded and disfigured.
Videos purportedly showing him have also circulated online, with some users claiming they were AI-generated, further contributing to doubts over his condition.
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