United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely still alive but may have been seriously affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
In an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said, “I think he probably is alive. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form.”
Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s Supreme Leader following the reported death of his father, Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war. Since his appointment by a clerical assembly, the new leader has not appeared publicly; his first statements were delivered via a television presenter.
In those remarks, Khamenei vowed to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed and warned that neighboring countries hosting U.S. military bases could become targets if used against Iran.
The conflict began on February 28, when coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks targeted Iranian facilities. Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. forces, resulting in multiple casualties.
As the war enters its second week, thousands have reportedly died, and global financial markets remain unsettled. Leaders from Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have all reaffirmed their determination to continue military operations.
