President Trump Says Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Probably Alive But Damaged

President Trump told Fox News he believes Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "probably alive" but damaged, saying "I think he probably is. I think he’s damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form."

“Speaking to Fox Radio following that statement, the US president was asked if he thought Khamenei was actually alive”

9News

Trump repeated that assessment in interviews and comments quoted across U.S. and international outlets, and U.S. officials have described uncertainty about Khamenei’s condition while suggesting he was wounded in the strikes.

9News

The statements follow heavy strikes on Tehran at the end of February that sources and officials say injured Mojtaba Khamenei and killed close family members.

The Hill reported the new leader was injured during "the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran at the end of February that killed his wife and his father, former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei," while outlets note Khamenei assumed leadership after his father’s death and has not appeared publicly since.

Anadolu Ajansı

Reports about the severity of Khamenei’s injuries have been inconsistent: some outlets relayed dramatic unverified claims that he was in a coma and had lost limbs, while other sources described more minor wounds.

“President Trump believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “probably alive” but may have been wounded during Operation Epic Fury”

New York Post

U.S. officials characterized the situation as uncertain but suggested serious damage, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying the U.S. believes Khamenei is "wounded and likely disfigured," and agencies noting his prolonged absence has fueled rumors.

Trump used the exchanges to warn Iran and discuss military effects of recent operations, saying "We’ll have to see because we are decimating them" and asserting "We’ve knocked out most of their missiles,"

He also addressed maritime concerns by suggesting vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz without fear, comments reported and quoted by multiple outlets.

The Hill

Mojtaba Khamenei made a public statement as supreme leader that was read on state television, warning of retaliation and invoking vengeance for those killed.

“Speaking to Fox Radio following that statement, the US president was asked if he thought Khamenei was actually alive”

9News

Outlets reported the message was read on state media and included language about avenging blood and closing the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring Tehran’s defiant posture amid uncertainty over the leader’s health.

9News