Cardboard cutout of Iran's new supreme leader used at succession rally after Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in same attack that killed his father

Cardboard cutout of new Iran supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

According to numerous reports, 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed earlier this week as his father's successor, was injured in the same strike in Tehran that killed is father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other high-ranking Iranian officials. The younger Khamenei's absence at a succession rally led to an odd sight in which organizers marched out a cardboard cutout of the new supreme leader during the celebration.

Speculation that the Khamenei was injured began this week when he was a no-show at the rally held for his appointment as supreme leader, The New York Post reported. Organizers of the event used a crude cardboard cutout of Khamenei at the ceremony celebrating the succession. He had yet to even issue a public statement as of Wednesday. 

The extent of Khamenei's injuries aren't clear but Israeli intelligence operatives have assessed that he was wounded in the attack on the compound that took out his father and others, according to Reuters. An unnamed Iranian official told Reuters that Khamenei had been "lightly" injured in the strike. Other reports have suggested the new supreme leader suffered wounds to his hand and a broken leg. 

And, in an interview with The Guardian, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, confirmed Khamenei had been injured, adding, "I think he is in the hospital." Several of the new supreme leader's family members besides his father were killed, including his wife.

"I don’t think he is comfortable to give a speech," the ambassador told The Guardian, suggesting Khamenei's injuries were preventing him from addressing the nation or appearing in public.

President Trump has said he's "not happy" with the choice to have Khamenei lead Iran, saying he's "unnacceptable" and dismissing the 56-year-old as a "lightweight." Below, watch a brief clip of a cardboard cutout that was used at the succession rally for Khamenei since injuries prevented him from being there in person.