Pete Hegseth declares 'not-so-Supreme Leader' to be wounded and 'likely disfigured' after failure to make public appearance

Pete Hegseth has declared the "not-so-Supreme Leader" to be wounded and is "likely disfigured" after the new Ayatollah failed to make his first public appearance yesterday.

Speaking from the Pentagon, the US War Secretary issued an update on the Iran war, paying tribute to four US crew members who were killed in Iraq plane crash.

But, first, Mr Hegseth took aim at the newly-crowned Ayatollah, son of assassinated Ali Khamenei, who is believed to be have been injured by an air strike.

Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic released a written message they have insisted was penned by Mojtaba Khamenei - despite the video played out by Iranian state TV failing to capture his face or even his own voice.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

He is understood to have lost at least one leg in the incident and is believed to have sustained severe internal injuries, possibly to his stomach or liver, leaving him in a coma.

Earlier today, the US War Secretary boasted about the destruction US military strikes have had on Tehran, adding: "Iran's leadership is in no better shape.

Speaking from the Pentagon, Mr Hegseth delivered an update on their "desperate" enemies. He told reporters: "Hiding, they've gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do.

"We know the new so-called not so Supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured.

"He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice. And there was no video. It was a written statement. He called for unity.

"Apparently killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity," the Secretary slammed.

"Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement?" he mused. "I think you know why."

"His father dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who's in charge? Iran may not even know.

LATEST ON THE MIDDLE EAST:

• Four US crew members killed in Iraq plane crash as search continues for two missing airmen
• Pro-Iran London hate rally organiser met Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to give him UK Islamophobia dossie
• 'It's too late now!' Donald Trump slams Keir Starmer in front of G7 leaders in tense Iran row

"With every passing hour, we know and we know, they know that the military capabilities of their evil regime are crumbling. They can barely communicate, let alone coordinate.

"They're confused and we know it. Our response we will keep pressing. We will keep pushing, keep advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemies."

MORE TO FOLLOW...

Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter