Trump Says Iran's New Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei Alive In 'Some Form' Amid Injury Reports

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 10:15 IST

Trump’s remarks came amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed office after the killing of his father, has not made a public appearance since the conflict began.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely still alive “in some form," even as speculation grows over the extent of his injuries following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Trump’s remarks came amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed office after the killing of his father Ali Khamenei, has not made a public appearance since the conflict began.

Speaking on the Fox News Radio programme hosted by Brian Kilmeade, Trump suggested the Iranian leader may have survived the attack but suffered serious harm.

“I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form," Trump said in the interview, which was recorded on Thursday and aired on Friday.

The comments followed a US media report claiming Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during US-Israeli strikes on a Tehran compound on February 28, the attack in which his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed.

The report suggested the younger Khamenei may have slipped into a coma following the assault.

Despite his absence from public view, Mojtaba Khamenei earlier issued his first statement since taking office, vowing that Iran would not retreat in the conflict with the United States and Israel.

In the address, he warned of retaliation and called for intensified pressure on regional rivals.

“We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," Khamenei said, urging Iran to consider closing the Strait of Hormuz and to continue strikes on Gulf Arab neighbours.

He also appealed to people in Gulf countries to disrupt US military bases, claiming American security guarantees were “nothing more than a lie."

Uncertainty over Khamenei’s condition has been fuelled by conflicting accounts.

A report by The Sun claimed the 56-year-old cleric lost at least one leg and sustained severe internal injuries in the strikes, which also allegedly killed members of his immediate family.

Earlier this week, Iran’s ambassador Alireza Salarian said Khamenei had suffered injuries to his legs, hand and arm and was receiving hospital treatment.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the war began, and even his recent message to the nation was not delivered in person or through a video broadcast, adding to speculation surrounding his health and status as the conflict continues to escalate.

News world Trump Says Iran's New Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei Alive In 'Some Form' Amid Injury Reports

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