'Nobody knows what happened to him': Trump on reports regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's health
US President Donald Trump on Monday addressed the rumours regarding the health of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying that nobody knows what happened to him. His remarks came as several reports speculated that the leader is either dead or severely injured.
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said that it is unclear whether Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive or not, The New York Post reported.
Speaking to reporters as he departed Palm Beach International Airport in South Florida for an event in Memphis, Trump said, "We have not heard from the son," adding, "We don’t know if he’s living."
Before speaking to reporters earlier in the day, he announced a five-day pause in the fighting with Iran, citing "very productive talks." He further told reporters that Washington engaged in discussions that could end the conflict in the Middle East with a man whom he called "the most respected and the leader" of Iran.
Numerous claims surface over Khamenei's health: Trump
His remarks came amid speculations that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured after the US launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran in late February.
The New York Post, citing Trump, said, "[Ali Khamenei] was killed. Khamenei’s son is unavailable. Nobody knows what happened to him. I can say they haven’t seen him there either. Something is going on with him. But regardless, I don’t consider him really the leader, but they do have some leaders left.”
According to news agency ANI, the US President said numerous claims have been surfacing regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's health, ranging from severe injury to death. Responding to a question, he said, "A lot of people are saying that he's badly disfigured." Trump also added that while many people are saying that Mojtaba Khamenei had lost one leg and has been hurt very badly, others are now claiming that he is dead.
Mojtaba Khamenei replaces his father as Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled as the Supreme Leader for 36 years before he was killed on the first day of airstrikes launched by the US and Israel.
Following the announcement of his appointment as the Supreme Leader, reports have been circulating online regarding his health, with many claiming that he is believed to have been injured in the strikes that killed Ali Khamenei. However, the extent of his wounds and injuries remains unclear.
On 11 March, The New York Times reported, citing Iranian officials, that Mojtaba has suffered a fractured foot, a bruised eye, and facial lacerations. On 12 March, a report in The Sun said that Mojtaba Khamenei was in a coma and undergoing care at Tehran's Sina University Hospital. Citing an Israeli source, The Sun reported that either one or both of his legs have been cut off and that his liver or stomach has also ruptured.
Ever since Mojtaba was named the Supreme Leader, he has only issued written statements that have been carried or read out by state television broadcasters, further adding fuel to speculation regarding his condition after he missed his own succession rally.
US-Iran's conflicting message on peace talks
Despite the US President announcing a five-day pause in the fighting, citing negotiations, Iran's stance has been different, with the Islamic Republic's leaders denying talks with Washington. According to a Reuters report, the fighting continued on Tuesday, with both Israel and Iran launching a barrage of missiles targeting civilian infrastructure.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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