Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei accuses US and Israel of destabilization

On May 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement accusing the United States and Israel of attempting to weaken and divide Iran. Khamenei claimed these nations are using economic pressure, political attacks, and propaganda to compensate for their military failures following the hostilities that preceded the April 8 ceasefire. The message, delivered on the anniversary of the Iranian parliament, called for national unity and cohesion. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, assumed leadership after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in strikes on February 28, 2026. The younger Khamenei has not appeared publicly since sustaining injuries to his face, head, and legs during those same attacks. On May 25, the Iranian Ministry of Health confirmed these injuries, while U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated on April 13 that the leader was likely disfigured. These claims emerge as the region remains tense following the military escalation earlier this year.