13.03.2026 09:20
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is claimed to be dead, is likely still alive. Trump said, "I think he is alive. I think he is hurt, but probably alive in some way."
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been rumored to be dead, may still be alive. Trump also claimed that Iran's military capacity has been significantly weakened.
"DAMAGED BUT PROBABLY ALIVE"
In an interview with Fox News reporter Brian Kilmeade, which will be published on Friday, Trump made comments regarding Khamenei, who has been reported to have passed away recently. Trump said, "I think he is alive. I believe he is damaged but probably alive in some way."
IRAN: "ON DUTY"
There had been a statement from Iran regarding the health status of the new religious leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian officials stated that Mojtaba Khamenei was 'lightly injured' during the attacks but is still on duty.
HE WAS REPORTED TO HAVE DIED
Although days have passed since Mojtaba Khamenei was elected by the Experts Assembly, the new leader's lack of any public statement or appearance has led to speculation about his health.
HIS FIRST MESSAGE WAS READ ON STATE TELEVISION
The first message of Mojtaba Khamenei, who was elected as the religious leader following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was read on state television. This statement by Khamenei was recorded as his first announcement after being elected to replace his father, Ali Khamenei.
In the statement read on television, Khamenei stated that "the Strait of Hormuz will continue to remain closed to apply pressure on the enemy." He expressed that Iran follows a policy of "friendship" with neighboring countries but advises them to close American bases, and that Iran will continue to target these bases, also making a statement of revenge. Khamenei emphasized that they will take revenge for all Iranians killed, including the attack on the girls' school in Minab, where 168 people, including 110 children, were killed.
Khamenei also described Hezbollah in Lebanon as a "self-sacrificing organization" for helping them. Hezbollah had launched hundreds of rockets at Israel during the war that began with attacks from the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Khamenei stated that Iran will demand compensation from its enemies and will destroy their assets, declaring, "Iran is not a colonial state."
WHO IS MOJTABA KHAMENEI?
Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has been recognized as one of the influential figures in Iranian politics for many years. Born in 1969 in the city of Mashhad, Khamenei received his religious education in the seminaries of Qom.
Despite not holding an official state position in Iran, he is considered an influential figure in the country's politics, especially due to his close relationships with the Revolutionary Guards and conservative political circles. Mojtaba Khamenei's name frequently comes up in discussions regarding Iran's internal political balances and religious leadership debates.
His name also emerged during the protests following the controversial presidential elections in Iran in 2009, with some political circles claiming that Khamenei was influential behind the scenes.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been noted to hold a strong position within Iran's religious and political structure for a long time, was seen as one of the names mentioned for the country's religious leadership after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.