Trump admits US doesn't know if new Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'dead or not'

On Monday, President Trump speculated extensively about the whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei, noting that his absence from public view has raised questions. This comes as new audio suggests that the Iranian supreme leader initially survived the attack that claimed his father’s life last month.

“There’s a lot of chatter suggesting he’s severely injured,” Trump remarked to reporters in the White House East Room. “Some say he lost a leg and is in critical condition. Others believe he might be dead,” he added.


A woman holds a poster of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
A woman holding up a poster of Mojtaba Khamenei during a rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026. AP

The audio reported by the Telegraph is from remarks delivered March 12 by Mazaher Hosseini, a top Iranian government official.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife and son were killed instantly in the Israeli strike and his brother-in-law was decapitated.

Much remains to be learned about the younger Khamenei, who is one of six children of the late ayatollah. 

US intelligence indicates Khamenei may be gay — and that his father feared his suitability to rule the Islamic Republic for that reason, The Post revealed earlier Monday.

Trump couldn’t contain his surprise and laughed aloud when he was briefed on the intel, according to sources.

Publicly, the president has said he’s “not happy” with the new leader, whom he has dismissed as a “lightweight” and described as a “mistake” of a choice by Iran.

You May Also Like
Eight riders left dangling atop 100-foot roller coaster for over three hours at Texas amusement park

Thrilling Rescue: Roller Coaster Riders Stranded 100 Feet High for Hours at Texas Park

In a dramatic turn of events at a Texas amusement park, eight…
Feel-Good Friday: Young Man Becomes HS Grad, Finishes 'Boot Camp'—Walks in His Marine Corps Uniform

Heartwarming Milestone: Young Man Graduates High School and Completes Boot Camp, Honored in Marine Corps Uniform

One of the remarkable aspects of Alabama is its profound respect and…
The 667-pound clue CIA missed in David Rush's gold bar scandal

How the CIA Overlooked a 667-Pound Gold Bar in David Rush’s Controversial Case

The CIA should have been alerted the moment former officer David Rush…
Funerals, beauty queens and bombs: The Ukrainian city that won’t let Putin win

Resilient Ukrainian City Defies Putin: From Funerals to Beauty Pageants Amid Conflict

Inside Lviv: Ukraine’s ‘Unbroken City’ In the heart of Lviv, a city…
Gov. Sherrill blames ICE, defends rioters after deploying troopers to quell violent mob

Governor Sherrill Criticizes ICE, Justifies Rioters Following Trooper Deployment to Control Violent Unrest

NEWARK, N.J. – Tensions escalated Friday night as organized protesters refused to…
Record-breaking ferris wheel will be part of $500M LA Waterfront District project

$500 Million LA Waterfront District to Feature World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel

Los Angeles is set to unveil a towering addition to its skyline…
Virginia bus crash that killed 5 involved non-English speaking driver who got license in NY, says Sean Duffy

Virginia Bus Tragedy Involving Non-English Speaking Driver Licensed in NY Claims 5 Lives, Reports Sean Duffy

The bus driver involved in a tragic accident in Virginia that resulted…
Booker: Iran's Leader Had Fatwa Against Nukes Until Trump Blew Things Up, They Still Have Enriched Uranium

How Trump’s Actions Dismantled Iran’s Nuclear Stance: The Untold Story of Enriched Uranium and Fatwas

During a recent segment on CNN’s “Situation Room,” Senator Cory Booker from…
Dozens of Illinois athletes soon heading to compete in 2026 USA Special Olympics games, events

Illinois Athletes Set to Shine: Countdown to the 2026 USA Special Olympics Begins!

CHICAGO — In just a few weeks, a group of 54 talented…
Chicago Bears stadium 'mega-projects' bill among measures for Illinois lawmakers to review as legislative session ends Sunday

Illinois Lawmakers to Tackle Chicago Bears Stadium Mega-Project Bill as Legislative Session Nears Deadline

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — The clock is ticking for Illinois legislators as…
RFK Jr's new interim surgeon general a dancing phenom and former TV doc

RFK Jr. Appoints Renowned Dancing Physician and Former TV Doctor as Interim Surgeon General

Be warned: Dancing might just lead to unexpected fun, according to the…
Idaho daredevil dad balanced a running chainsaw on his chin to break world record

Idaho Dad Sets New World Record by Balancing Running Chainsaw on Chin in Daring Stunt

Chin up and face the challenge. A thrill-seeking father achieved a daring…