13.03.2026 16:41
As Israel and the US launch attacks on Iran, the Middle East has turned into a firestorm, and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made a serious claim. Hegseth stated about Iran's new religious leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, "We know that the new so-called, not very exalted leader is injured and possibly disabled."
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made striking statements regarding attacks on Iran and the Iranian administration during a press briefing held at the Pentagon. Hegseth used shocking expressions about the situation of Mojtaba Khamenei, who is claimed to be Iran's new leader.
“INJURED AND POSSIBLY DISABLED”
Speaking at the meeting in the Pentagon, Hegseth made the following remarks regarding the leadership situation in Iran:
“Today, the highest level of attacks will be carried out in Iranian airspace. We know that the new so-called, not very exalted leader is injured and possibly disabled. He made a statement yesterday, but there was neither sound nor video. It was just a written statement. Iran has plenty of cameras and audio recording devices - so why was there only a written statement? I think you know the reason. He is scared. Injured. He is fleeing and has no legitimacy. It is complete chaos for them. Who is in charge? Iran may not even know that. They have gone underground, they are hiding. That’s what rats do.”
“WE HAVE DESTROYED IRAN'S AIR DEFENSE”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth also made bold statements regarding the impact of operations on Iran's military capacity.
Hegseth stated, “Iran has no air defense, navy, or air force left. We have destroyed them. Missiles are being eliminated. Missile launches have decreased by about 90%, and drone attacks have decreased by about 95%.”
“THE WORST NIGHTMARE OF THIS REGIME”
Continuing his harsh remarks targeting the Iranian administration, Hegseth made the following assessment:
“When they look at the sky, the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian regime see two things… the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag and the Star of David on the Israeli flag. The worst nightmare of this devilish regime.”
HORMUZ STRAIT MESSAGE
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded to a question about when the Strait of Hormuz might become operational again:
“The only thing currently preventing passage is Iran firing on ships.”