Pete Hegseth Picture Credit: Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Friday that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had reportedly been wounded and was staying out of public view while American military operations continued.
While speaking at a briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth said Iran’s leadership was facing mounting pressure as the military campaign progressed.
The defence secretary noted, “Iran’s leadership is in no better shape, desperate and hiding.”
“We know the new so-called not-so Supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” he added.
Pete Hegseth claimed, “He put out a statement yesterday, but there was no voice, and there was no video. It was a written statement.”
He also questioned, “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why.”
According to Hegseth, the ongoing conflict has created uncertainty around Iran’s leadership structure.
He questioned, “Who’s in charge? Iran may not even know with every passing hour.”
US officials have said that American forces have targeted thousands of sites across Iran as part of the ongoing operation.
Hegseth argued that these strikes had significantly damaged Iran’s military capabilities and interfered with the functioning of its command networks.
He also alleged, “Iran’s leaders are hiding in bunkers and moving into civilian areas.”
The Pentagon has repeatedly stated that the purpose of the operation is to weaken Iran’s missile programme, reduce its naval strength and prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the claims made by the US defence secretary about the condition of the country’s leadership.
Also Read: ASEAN Foreign Ministers Hold Special Meeting Over Rising Middle East Tensions
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
