Iran’s new supreme leader ‘likely disfigured’, US war secretary Hegseth says
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said that Iran’s new supreme leader who is now in hiding is “wounded” and “likely disfigured”. He made the remarks in a news conference held at the Pentagon.
There have been reports suggesting that son of the former supreme leader of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei who was named the new supreme leader by the Islamic regime may have been wounded in the same strike that killed his father.
Reports say the new supreme leader might have lost one of his legs as a result of the strike and therefore disabled.
The rumour was further fueled by Mojtaba’s physical absence during a recent ceremony organized by supporters of the theocratic regime to mark his coronation. AÂ framed picture of the new supreme leader was instead brought to the venue of the event.
Hegseth also said in the news conference that the US forces were currently incapacitating Iran’s ability to build more missiles.
“We’re shooting down and destroying what missiles they have in stock and, more importantly, ensuring they have no ability to build more,” he said.
The War Secretary said the US would launch its highest volume of strikes over Iran, as it continued decimating Iran’s military, noting that Iran has no functioning air force, air defence or navy.
He noted that Iran’s missile volume was down 90%, adding that it would soon be incapable of building more weapons, as their defense companies would all soon be destroyed.
The war which is currently on its second week is having its toll on the global oil market. The US had earlier said it would loosen sanctions on other countries buying Russian oil and petroleum loaded on vessels at sea, in a bid to curb inflation.
Hegseth said the US was dealing with the issue regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran was acting out of sheer desperation.
