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Iran's Khamenei Wounded, Vows to Retaliate Against U.S.

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "wounded and likely disfigured" after United States and Israeli strikes.
Hegseth notes the lack of video evidence from Khamenei's first public statement, questioning his legitimacy.
Khamenei vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and to attack United States allies, noting the conflict began with airstrikes that killed his father, driving oil prices.

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Story summary

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "wounded and likely disfigured" after United States and Israeli strikes.
Hegseth notes the lack of video evidence from Khamenei's first public statement, questioning his legitimacy.
Khamenei vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and to attack United States allies, noting the conflict began with airstrikes that killed his father, driving oil prices.