Hegseth says new Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured' | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and "likely disfigured," as the United States and Israel continue their campaign of strikes on the Islamic Republic. On Thursday, the new Iranian leader issued a defiant message, vowing to continue using the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, as a "lever" and avenge the "blood" of "martyrs" killed in the ongoing war that began on Feb. 28. Desperate and hiding, they've gone underground, cowering," Hegseth said. "You know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured." U.S. Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.K. leader inspects munitions factory N.K. leader inspects munitions factory N.K. leader inspects munitions factory N.K. leader inspects munitions factory prev Hegseth says new Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured' Next Hegseth says new Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured'

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By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, March 13 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and "likely disfigured," as the United States and Israel continue their campaign of strikes on the Islamic Republic.
On Thursday, the new Iranian leader issued a defiant message, vowing to continue using the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, as a "lever" and avenge the "blood" of "martyrs" killed in the ongoing war that began on Feb. 28.
His message was read out by an anchor on state television, stoking speculation about his health status. It marked his first public message after he was announced earlier this week as the successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the U.S. military operation, called "Operation Epic Fury."
"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding, they've gone underground, cowering," Hegseth said. "You know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured."
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon near Washington on March 13, 2026. (Yonhap)
He called Khamenei's statement "weak," raising a question about why he released just a written statement when Iran has "plenty of" cameras and voice recorders.
"His father's dead. He's scared. He's injured. He's on the run and he lacks legitimacy," he said. "Who's in charge? Iran may not even know."
The Pentagon chief also addressed growing concerns about disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have recently caused an increase in oil prices, as he criticized Tehran for exercising "sheer desperation" in the waterway, which is responsible for about a fifth of the world's oil supply.
"We are dealing with it. We have been dealing with it, and don't need to worry about it," he said.
Asked why the U.S. military is not escorting ships through the strait when it claims air and naval superiority over Iran, Hegseth said the U.S. wants to do it "sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve."
"The Strait of Hormuz is something we've paid attention to from the beginning, and the American people can rest assured we will ensure that our interests are protected," he said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Hegseth says new Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured'
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Hegseth says new Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured'

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Asked why the U.S. military is not escorting ships through the strait when it claims air and naval superiority over Iran, Hegseth said the U.S. wants to do it "sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve." "The Strait of Hormuz is something we've paid attention to from the beginning, and the American people can rest assured we will ensure that our interests are protected," he said. sshluck@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #Hegseth Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N.

### Implications
- Iran may not even know." The Pentagon chief also addressed growing concerns about disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have recently caused an increase in oil prices, as he criticized Tehran for exercising "sheer desperation" in the waterway, which is responsible for about a fifth of the world's oil supply. "We are dealing with it.
- Asked why the U.S. military is not escorting ships through the strait when it claims air and naval superiority over Iran, Hegseth said the U.S. wants to do it "sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve." "The Strait of Hormuz is something we've paid attention to from the beginning, and the American people can rest assured we will ensure that our interests are protected," he said. sshluck@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #Hegseth Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N.
- Korea slams Japan's plan to deploy long-range missiles (2nd LD) Vance welcomes Nat'l Assembly passage of U.S. investment bill: Seoul's PM office (LEAD) U.S. sanctions 6 individuals, 2 entities for roles in N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers leader, hegseth, iran topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 649.