Trump Raises Questions About Mojtaba Khamenei's Health Amid US-Iran Tensions
US President Donald Trump has publicly questioned the health and whereabouts of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, highlighting the leader's unusual absence from public appearances. In remarks made on Monday, Trump noted that speculation about Khamenei's condition has been circulating widely, with reports ranging from severe injury to death.
Speculation Intensifies Over Khamenei's Condition
Trump stated, "A lot of people are saying that he's badly disfigured. They're saying that he lost one leg, and he's been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he's dead." He emphasized that the lack of public sightings has fueled rumors, adding, "Nobody's saying he's 100 per cent healthy. He hasn't spoken because the Ayatollah would sit and he'd spew hate from a form of a throne... We don't know if he's dead or not. I will say this: nobody's seen him, which is unusual."
These comments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, following weeks of military confrontations and diplomatic pressure. In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump reiterated that he has heard reports suggesting Khamenei "is not alive," while also stating that Washington is not currently prepared to accept Tehran's proposed terms for a peace deal.
US Conditions for Any Future Deal
Trump explained, "Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet." He added that any agreement must be "very solid" and suggested a key condition would involve Iran fully abandoning its nuclear ambitions, though he declined to provide specific negotiating demands.
Remarking further on Khamenei's absence, Trump stated, "I don't know if he's even alive. So far, nobody's been able to show him." While acknowledging the reports of the leader's death were currently "a rumour," he added, "I'm hearing he's not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that's surrender."
US Officials Echo Concerns
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed these sentiments on Friday, suggesting that the younger Khamenei was "wounded and likely disfigured" following recent military strikes. Hegseth characterized a recent written statement from the leader as "a weak one," claiming that the Iranian head of state is "scared," "injured," and "lacks legitimacy."
Iran's Response and Appointments
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Monday appointed former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei as his military adviser, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing Iran's Mehr News Agency. This move comes as Iran navigates internal and external pressures amid the ongoing speculation about its leader's health.
The situation underscores the volatile dynamics in the Middle East, with US-Iran relations remaining tense over nuclear issues and regional conflicts. As rumors persist, the international community watches closely for any developments regarding Khamenei's status and its implications for geopolitical stability.
