Donald Trump has raised doubts about whether Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, intensifying the uncertainty surrounding leadership in Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In separate interviews with NBC News and Fox News Radio, the US President said Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking over the leadership role after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28.
“I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him,” Trump said. “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.”
Mystery Over Mojtaba Khamenei’s Condition
Since assuming the position of Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view, raising questions about his health and whereabouts.
According to a report by CNN, he may have suffered injuries during the initial airstrikes, including a fractured foot, a bruised eye and minor facial cuts.
Iranian authorities have only released a written statement attributed to him, in which he vowed to continue pressure on US allies, disrupt maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and retaliate against regional adversaries.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised Iran’s reliance on written statements, claiming the new leader is “scared, injured, on the run, and lacks legitimacy.”
The uncertainty has been amplified online, where social media platforms have seen the circulation of edited images and AI-generated videos claiming to show Mojtaba Khamenei.
US Confirms Major Strikes on Kharg Island
Trump also confirmed that US forces carried out “precision strikes” on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf.
The US President claimed the attacks had “totally demolished” key facilities on the island but said pipelines were deliberately left intact to avoid long-term reconstruction issues.
“We may hit it a few more times just for fun,” Trump said while describing the operation.
According to United States Central Command, nearly 90 Iranian military sites were targeted during the strikes while efforts were made to preserve major energy infrastructure.
Iran has accused the United States of launching the attacks using military facilities in the United Arab Emirates and warned of possible retaliation against oil and energy installations in the region.
Strait of Hormuz Becomes Strategic Focus
Amid rising global oil prices, Trump stressed the importance of securing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for energy supplies.
He called on several countries affected by disruptions to assist in protecting the waterway and ensuring safe passage for oil tankers.
The countries mentioned included China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, suggesting they could deploy warships to safeguard shipping traffic.
Iran Signals Willingness to Negotiate
Trump also said Iran appears ready to enter negotiations to reduce tensions, though the United States has not agreed to a ceasefire.
He indicated that any future deal would require Iran to completely abandon its nuclear programme.
However, Tehran has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks, and the conflict continues to escalate as it enters its third week, raising concerns about wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy markets.
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