Mojtaba Khamenei survives deadly airstrike by seconds, leaked audio reveals

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei narrowly escaped death during a US-Israeli airstrike that struck his family compound, according to a leaked audio obtained by The Telegraph.

The recordings reveal that he had stepped outside for a walk in his garden just minutes before missiles hit his residence on 28 February at 9:32am.

Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for Ali Khamenei’s office, provided a detailed account of the strike to senior clerics and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders in Tehran, which was recorded and later leaked. The audio has been independently verified.

According to Mazaher Hosseini, Mojtaba sustained only a minor leg injury, while his wife and son were killed instantly. His brother-in-law Misbah al-Huda Bagheri Kani was decapitated, and Mohammad Shirazi, chief of Khamenei’s military bureau, was “blown to pieces,” leaving only a few kilos of flesh for identification.

The compound, which also housed Ali Khamenei, religious halls, and residences for other children, was targeted with multiple simultaneous strikes.

Mazaher Hosseini said the missiles appeared intended to wipe out the entire Khamenei family.

“These devils had considered several locations within the office complex to strike – one of them was the place of the supreme leader,” he said. “They hit that location with three missiles.”

Other family members were also in danger. Mojtaba’s brother Mostafa and his wife were in a separate residence that was hit, but they survived after debris fell on them. Several of Ali Khamenei’s other children have not appeared publicly since the strikes, nor have they made public statements pledging allegiance to Mojtaba following his selection as supreme leader.

The leak comes amid continued uncertainty over Mojtaba’s condition and his capacity to lead. US President Donald Trump said, “We don’t know if he’s dead or not,” while Iranian officials admitted that military commanders had no information on his status.

US intelligence assessments reportedly suggested that Ali Khamenei had reservations about his son’s succession, describing Mojtaba as “not very bright” and “unqualified to be leader,” according to CBS News. Rumours have also circulated regarding personal matters, including unverified reports claiming Ali Khamenei may have opposed his son’s appointment.

Mazaher Hosseini’s account details the strategic significance of the strike, noting that Mohammad Shirazi was targeted to disrupt succession planning, as he was a key link between the supreme leader and the military command.

Observers note that the hereditary succession has faced criticism from Iran’s non-clerical leadership, who argue that it mirrors a monarchical system that the 1979 revolution was meant to abolish.