Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a strong critique of Iran’s new leader on Friday, branding Mojtaba Khamenei as an ineffective pretender lacking legitimacy amidst escalating U.S. military efforts against Iran.
Hegseth’s comments followed a recent statement from Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut until the conflict concludes and called for the removal of U.S. military bases from neighboring Gulf countries.
Addressing reporters at the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized that Iran’s leadership is in a precarious position, with Khamenei appearing to hide in fear rather than demonstrate strength.
“Iran’s leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding, they’ve gone underground, cowering. That’s what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth remarked. “Khamenei issued a written statement yesterday which lacked a personal voice or video—a sign of fear.”
Hegseth interpreted Khamenei’s call for unity as a façade, pointing to the regime’s violent suppression of dissenters. He questioned the absence of more direct communication methods, suggesting Khamenei’s injured state and fears for his legitimacy.
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He also disclosed a shift in U.S. military strategy as Operation Epic Fury progresses, focusing less on long-range missile operations and more on direct strikes against Iranian targets.
“I can say… only 1% of the munitions we’re using today are standoff munitions. The rest are over-the-top, which is our goal from the beginning,” he explained. “This transition ensures we maintain a robust capability across our forces.”
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Hegseth noted that the bombing campaign is gaining momentum, with recent operations marking some of the most significant strikes yet against Iran.
“Today will see yet again the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran,” he stated.
