Iran FM Araghchi: Mojtaba Khamenei 'in good health and fully managing the situation'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on March 15, 2026 (Day 16) that new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'in good health' and 'fully managing the situation.' The statement was reported by The Guardian and confirmed by multiple outlets. Iranian officials acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the US-Israeli opening strikes that killed his father Ali Khamenei on February 28 — but insisted his injuries are not serious. Khamenei (age 56) has not appeared in public since assuming power, and his first address was broadcast via a presenter reading his text on March 12, rather than a video appearance, fuelling speculation about his condition. Araghchi also said Iran welcomes 'any regional initiative that leads to a just end to the war' but said no concrete proposal is 'on the table' yet — a slight softening of tone on diplomatic resolution while maintaining the position that US-Israeli strikes must end first. The statement directly counters US President Trump's claim on NBC News that Khamenei 'may be dead' and his call for Iran to 'surrender.'