Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied claims regarding the health of the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stating that there are no issues concerning his well-being. This assertion follows remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured.” During an interview with MS Now, Araghchi emphasized that the Iranian leader is in good health and described Hegseth’s comments as unfounded.
Hegseth’s concerns surfaced on March 13, when he noted the absence of video or audio accompanying a recent statement from Khamenei. Instead, the Iranian leader communicated through a written message, which Hegseth critiqued as weak and lacking authenticity. “We know the new so-called (not-so) Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” he stated, questioning the choice of a written statement rather than a video. Hegseth speculated that Khamenei’s situation indicated instability within Iran’s leadership, implying that “he’s scared, injured, [and] on the run.”
In the same conversation, Araghchi issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its military actions in the region. He cautioned that Iran would target energy infrastructure linked to American companies if its own oil and energy facilities were attacked. “Our Armed Forces have already answered that they would retaliate if our oil and energy infrastructure are attacked,” Araghchi stated.
This warning came after the U.S. military conducted strikes on Kharg Island, a vital export hub for Iranian oil. President Donald Trump remarked that military targets in the region had been “obliterated,” although energy infrastructure was reportedly not the focus of the attacks.
Furthermore, Araghchi accused the U.S. of using bases in the United Arab Emirates to launch rocket attacks, including one near Dubai. “They are using the territory of our neighbors to attack us, and this is absolutely unacceptable,” he declared. He noted the danger posed by such attacks, particularly in densely populated areas, asserting that Iran would strive to limit civilian casualties during any retaliation. “We would certainly retaliate, but we try to be careful not to attack any populated area,” he added.
The tension between Iran and the U.S. continues to escalate, with both sides remaining vigilant in their military posturing. As the situation develops, the implications for regional stability and international relations remain significant, demanding close attention from global observers. With Iran’s plans for retaliation and the ongoing dialogue concerning leadership legitimacy, the geopolitical landscape is fraught with uncertainty, highlighting the need for a careful approach to diplomacy in the region.
The discourse around Iran’s leadership and its military intentions reflects broader themes of power and security in a volatile geopolitical environment, underscoring the enduring complexities faced by both Iran and its adversaries.
Categories: Iran, Politics, International Relations
Tags: Mojtaba Khamenei, Abbas Araghchi, U.S.-Iran Relations, Middle East Tensions, Energy Infrastructure
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/iran-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-rejects-us-claims-about-iran-new-supreme-leader-s-health-11773515956743.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-15 00:58:00
