Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suffered only superficial injuries during United States and Israeli strikes in late February. According to Kermanpour, the wounds were limited to the face, head, and legs, required only minor treatment including a few stitches, and caused no serious medical complications. He said Khamenei was discharged from the hospital in the early hours of March 1.

The remarks offer a rare official account of the incident, which followed the killing of Mojtaba's father, Ali Khamenei, in the same wave of strikes. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was appointed supreme leader on March 8 and has not appeared publicly since, issuing only written statements. Earlier claims by the United States defense secretary that he was seriously wounded and disfigured were not supported by the Iranian health official's description.

Kermanpour added that Khamenei continued fasting during the holy month of Ramadan despite his injuries, describing it as a sign of good health. Iranian officials have since reported meetings between the supreme leader and senior political and military figures. Meanwhile, Iran said negotiations with the United States over ending the regional conflict have made progress but are not yet close to a final agreement.