TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has firmly denied any problems with the newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, dismissing recent claims made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested Khamenei was injured and “likely disfigured” in recent U.S.-Israeli strikes. Araqchi's comments were made during an interview with MS Now on Saturday, providing clarity amid swirling rumors regarding Khamenei’s health in the wake of his succession after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since taking his position, raising concerns and questions about his capability to lead during a period of elevated tensions between Iran and the United States. Araqchi, however, assured the public that Khamenei remains competent to perform his duties, despite the conflicts that have arisen following the strikes. “Our Supreme Leader is in good health and does not face any issues that would hinder his leadership,” he stated, directly countering claims aimed at eroding confidence in Iran’s leadership.

These conflicting narratives are significant as they come against a backdrop of high tension in the region, spurred largely by the ongoing conflicts that involve Iran and its relations with Western powers. As political dynamics continue to shift, the reliability of claims from both sides becomes crucial for understanding the unfolding geopolitical landscape. Araqchi’s assertions aim to stabilize the image of Iran's leadership as speculation swirls, emphasizing resilience amid adversity.