How Mojtaba Khamenei cheated death seconds before a US–Israel strike

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, reportedly escaped death by seconds during the Israeli missile strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, after stepping out of the targeted compound moments before the attack, according to a report citing leaked audio from an internal Iranian meeting.

The strike, carried out on February 28 as part of Operation Epic Fury, targeted the Tehran residence of the longtime leader, killing several senior officials and family members.

According to The Telegraph, the leaked audio is from a March 12 meeting involving senior clerics and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In the recording, Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for the late leader’s office, said Mojtaba had been inside the building with his father shortly before the strike but stepped out just moments before missiles hit.

The report said Israeli Blue Sparrow missiles struck the compound shortly after he exited. At least three missiles were reportedly used, hitting different parts of the complex, including the section where Ali Khamenei was located and residential quarters linked to family members.

Hosseini described the scale of the destruction, claiming several top officials were killed in the blast. Among them was Iranian military chief Mohammad Shirazi, whose remains were reportedly severely damaged. Another strike hit the residence of Misbah al-Huda Bagheri Kani within the compound.

Mojtaba Khamenei is said to have survived with minor injuries, though his wife was reportedly killed. Other family members were said to have escaped unharmed.

The leaked account has added to speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition and whereabouts, as he has not appeared publicly since the attack. Unverified reports have suggested he may have suffered more serious injuries, though there has been no official confirmation.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said US officials remain uncertain about the Iranian leader’s status, noting conflicting reports about whether he is severely injured or even alive.