Iran's new supreme leader 'wounded, and likely disfigured': US defense chief

"We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured.

"He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement," Hegseth told a news conference alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In an interview scheduled to air Friday, President Donald Trump said he believes Khamenei "is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know," Trump said.

Since being selected by a clerical assembly on Sunday, Khamenei has not been seen publicly, and his initial remarks were broadcast Thursday in a statement read by a TV presenter.

Hegseth said Iran has "plenty of" cameras and voice recorders.

"Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father - dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy," he added.

'Highest volume of strikes'

Hegseth claimed that Iran's leadership is "in no better shape, desperate and hiding."

"They've gone underground. That's what rats do," he added.

Turning to the ongoing operation against Iran, Hegseth said all of Iran's defense companies will be destroyed "soon, and very soon."

"Today will be yet again, the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran," he added.

Caine, for his part, echoed Hegseth, saying Friday will be "our busiest days."

"This mission remains complex, dangerous and difficult," he added.

Hegseth said Trump "holds the card" and he will determine "the pace, the tempo and the timing of this conflict."