U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have suffered disfigurement as a result of his injuries, adding that Iranian leaders are hiding underground.

Speaking at a press conference, Hegseth said, "The sacrifices of our fallen soldiers will only strengthen our resolve. Our goals are clear, decisive, and achievable, including eliminating Iran’s missiles and defense industries.”

He added that the United States is using advanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence, to weaken its enemies, noting that “today will see the highest level of strikes in Iranian airspace.”

Hegseth continued: “Iran’s leaders are hiding underground, and our superiority is expanding. Iran is threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and holding it hostage.”

He went on to say that “the Iranian Supreme Leader issued a written statement because he was injured and may have been disfigured,” adding, "We have eliminated all Iranian missile production and manufacturing lines.”

He explained, "We are working to ensure that Iran cannot produce new missiles after the current ones have been destroyed. We will soon destroy all defense companies in Iran, and we are operating according to a plan to eliminate all Iranian military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before.”

Hegseth also stated that “Iran no longer has an air defense system, a navy, or rocket launchers. Our fighters and bombers are striking their targets freely, based on improved intelligence.”