Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly survived a second US strike after being rescued from the rubble of a hospital in Tehran, according to Iranian cleric Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir. Speaking to Qatari-owned Al Araby television, Alekasir, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, claimed that Mojtaba was taken to a hospital after the February 28 strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several others. He said the medical centre was later targeted and that Mojtaba was rescued from the debris.

According to the cleric, Mojtaba Khamenei was among those affected when the hospital came under attack. Alekasir claimed that the younger Khamenei was subsequently moved to an undisclosed location and has not appeared publicly since. The account has not been independently verified in the material provided, and details about Mojtaba’s condition and whereabouts remain subject to conflicting reports.

Alekasir also discussed the circumstances surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection as Iran’s supreme leader. He claimed that Mojtaba was unaware that he was being considered for the position until the announcement was made on Iranian state television on March 8. The cleric said Mojtaba was then considered “legally and religiously” obligated to accept the position after the Assembly of Experts selected him.

Also Read: PM Modi, Pezeshkian Hold Second Bilateral Meeting In Two Weeks

The Assembly of Experts is the constitutional body responsible for choosing Iran’s supreme leader. Alekasir claimed that he was the first member to propose Mojtaba’s name after receiving information that he was sufficiently healthy to assume the leadership role. According to the account, Mojtaba received 50 of the 59 votes cast, while Ayatollah Alireza Arafi received eight votes and one member abstained.

The reports about Mojtaba’s condition have remained disputed. He has reportedly stayed out of public view since the strikes, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently told Fox News that Mojtaba was completely healthy. The claims about his reported rescue from the hospital rubble, his injuries and his current whereabouts have not been independently confirmed, leaving significant uncertainty around the circumstances described by Alekasir.

Also Read: In Letter, Mojtaba Khamenei Appeals To Muslim Nations To Identify The “Real Enemy”