Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"

• "Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.

Behind the scenes: President Trump told G7 leaders in a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Khamenei "is not in good shape," according to a source with knowledge of the call.

• "Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender," Trump said, according to two officials briefed on the call.

Catch up quick: On Thursday, Khamenei issued his first public message, vowing that his country will take revenge for the ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks.

• The message was read on Iranian state television without an accompanying video or photo of Khamenei, who took over as supreme leader after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed at the outset of the war.

What he's saying: Hegseth cited the written statement as evidence of Khamenei's weakness.

• "Iran has plenty of cameras and voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. He is scared. He is injured. He is on the run...Who is in charge? Iran may not even know," Hegseth said.

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.