March 14, 2026 U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is “wounded and likely disfigured,” but he did not provide evidence or details supporting the claim. ( Axios ) The statement comes amid escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran following a series of military strikes and political upheaval inside Iran. Background: Leadership Change in Iran Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s t