"Iranian state television broadcast footage on Thursday showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivering a religious lecture to a group of students. The date and location of the footage could not be independently verified. Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a live public appearance or address since taking office, fuelling rumours regarding his condition. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed Mojtaba was 'wounded' in a strike and is 'likely disfigured'. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said 'we don't know if he's dead'. Iranian officials have rejected reports that Mojtaba has been seriously harmed, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting he is in 'excellent health' and fully in control. It comes amid heightened regional tensions following joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, during ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military assets across the region, with explosions reported in several Gulf countries. Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reported killed during the escalation, after which Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership. The conflict has since widened to include Hezbollah in Lebanon, which said it joined the fighting in retaliation for Khamenei’s death. Regional shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have been disrupted following its closure, raising concerns over global energy supplies. The escalation has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, increasing pressure on international markets and triggering protests in several countries."